MAX HOLLOWAY WOULD be happy to face Conor McGregor in a rematch but the reigning UFC featherweight champion insists he won’t wait around in the hope of avenging his last defeat.
After dethroning Jose Aldo in a 145-pound title bout back in June, Holloway (19-3) overcame Aldo again on Saturday night in his inaugural championship defence at UFC 218.
The 26-year-old Hawaiian, who has now won 12 fights in a row, continues to impress since his unanimous-decision loss to McGregor (21-3) in August 2013. McGregor later went on to win the featherweight belt before being stripped of the strap due to inactivity.
On Sunday, McGregor aimed a dig at Holloway by taking to social media to reference their previous meeting, which the Dubliner won comprehensively despite tearing his anterior cruciate knee ligament in the second round.
“Supposedly only he got better from the last fight and I didn’t,” Holloway said in an interview published today on FloCombat. “It’s funny. Just know, if the fight with Conor McGregor never happens — like never, ever — it’s not going to be because of my side.
“Their team said I’m one of the best of the guys in the world. Go Google it if you don’t believe me. But supposedly only one guy can get better after every fight and I guess I’m not that guy. I don’t care.”
I miss those sunglasses. pic.twitter.com/0fa7U9dM4Y
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 3, 2017
Miss the sunglasses? I bet you also miss 2015 brother. Retired fighters love the past. pic.twitter.com/UWGnJG2KEe
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) December 3, 2017
McGregor hasn’t competed in mixed martial arts since he defeated Eddie Alvarez 13 months ago to become the UFC’s lightweight champion. Since losing his professional boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather in August, the 29-year-old has mostly made headlines due to a number of controversial incidents outside the cage.
And while he has spoken previously of his desire to negotiate improved financial terms with the UFC before returning, the 155-pound title-holder has been linked to imminent clashes with two-time foe Nate Diaz and current interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson. However, the potential for a rematch with Holloway appears to be gathering momentum.
Holloway said: “It’s all fun and games until the guy gets salty. He’s getting salty. He’s acting out. He’s been acting out of character lately. We’ll see where it goes.
“If he wants to come back, he’s more than welcome, but at the end of the day, I’ve got a belt to defend. I’m not going to go on a hiatus from my throne. I’m here to fight. I’m here to conquer. All these guys can get it.”
Just get Crowley back, he hasn’t played since September and during the RWC got maybe 70mins total ?
@Owen ODonoghue: you don’t think he needs a mental break after the World Cup? What about his training load since pre season? It’s not just about game time.
@Pierce O’Hehir: Reckon if you asked him he’d prefer to play….
@Owen ODonoghue: long season ahead.
@Owen ODonoghue: could not agree more. Carbery has already probably more minutes this season. It’s completely insane. He’s played 30 mins since Sept 23rd. He’s 22. Get him playing.
Give Butler game time. No harm. We know what we get with RS, who is not a long-term option at 10, and I’d hate to lose Frisch’s ability at 13 where he is first choice. If Carbery is injured, then why wouldn’t we give youth a chance?
@Brenda Collins: Something tells me there are going to be more competitive matches in the URC this year- not many occasions to give some young lad a ‘run’, especially as you’re champions with a target on your backs in every game.
@Brenda Collins: agree completely Brenda
@Brenda Collins: Butler looks like a decent player, obviously green but with a nice touch and not afraid to attack the line, hope in a situation like this they back him.
please play Daly at 13, thank you.
There needs to be some sort of loan system introduced between provinces. Someone like Charlie Tector at Leinster is going to be very limited in terms of playing time, while Munster will struggle during the six nations should Carbery rediscover his best form and get selected along with Crowley
@philip kelly: I don’t think Munster will have to worry about having two Out Halves away during the 6N.
@David Finn: what if both are unavailable for selection?
@David Finn: Why not?
@David Finn: I’d imagine it’s a distinct possibility. If joey is going well it’d be very easy to see him bypass Ross byrne
@munsterman: or Ross Byrne could be injured at 6 nations time. Could mean Carbery and Crowley both in the Ireland camp. Or R Byrne could stay fit but one of the two Munster flyhalfs is injured with the other in Ireland camp. Unless there’s a surprise pick (Carty, Burns comeback, one of the younger flyhalfs selected) it looks like any injury at flyhalf and Munster are out of specialists in that position.
@Kevin Volf: it’d be nice to still have Ben healy
@munsterman: Or Flannery.