What is Next for max Holloway and Yair Rodriguez

Nov 15

Following days of anticipation and hype for the main event, Max Holloway and Yair Rodriguez went the distance and provided audiences all across the world a near contender for fight of the year. Cultivating with Holloway winning by unanimous decision, the only question left unanswered is what is next for the two?

For the pride of Waianae, HI, Max Holloway showed not just an overall elite Mix-Martial Arts game but that he is rightly deserving of another shot at Alexander Volkanovski and the featherweight title even though he is 0-2. Which others argue should be 1-1 but to quote Max “It is what it is”.

After giving Yair his deserved credit, Holloway instead of calling out the champion solidifying his shot. Decided to leave audiences with options besides a title fight such as a matchup against the current lightweight champion Charles Olivera (upcoming bout Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 on Dec. 11) and a potential matchup against Conor McGregor. Overall, although those are very much considerable options that would heavily rely on certain situations to occur, I believe Max’s best options are to 1) fight for the title once again or 2) prepare/build himself for a run in the lightweight division against a top 10 fighter then eventually towards the champion by next year.

Because after looking drained at 145, an unsuccessful run at the interim lightweight title, and being outpowered by Poirier. Holloway’s best method to be great at 155 is to build his body and grow to be a threat in the 155 division where power, striking, and wrestling play a giant factor in who is the best.

Following a two-year absence from the UFC octagon, Yair Rodriguez Saturday afternoon proved once again how talented of a fighter he truly is. And although he didn’t get his hand raised, Rodriguez earned the respect of MMA fans all over the world through his heart and elite skills.

After the fight, it was worth noting that Yair broke his right foot after landing a plethora of kicks on Max’s lead leg and head. Setting him back a couple of months, however, once healthy Yair is definitely guaranteed a top 10 and above fight. Some matchups that come to mind are Brian Ortega, a rematch against Chan Sung Jung, the winner of Kattar/Chikadze, or Arnold Allen. As the featherweight division is matchup galore, waiting to be scheduled. Overall, after Saturday’s main event, Rodriguez's stock rose and has future established him as a future title contender for years to come.

Thumbnail Image via Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC