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UFC Veteran Feels Max Holloway’s Fight Is the Ultimate Chance to Challenge Islam Makhachev

Kevin Binoy
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Max Holloway (L), Islam Makhachev (R)

Islam Makhachev has been nothing short of dominant in his lightweight title reign. However, not everyone is convinced that Makhachev is untouchable. UFC veteran Beneil Dariush believes BMF champion Max Holloway would be the biggest threat to the Dagestani fighter’s impregnable fortress of title defenses. 

Sharing his thoughts on Makhachev’s dominant performance at UFC 311, Dairush claimed that had Arman not pulled out, he could have been the unstoppable force to the champion’s unmovable object. But since Arman is not getting near that title anytime soon, Dariush believes the Holloway could truly overwhelm Makhachev’s senses and get the job done.

 “You know who would be interesting would be Max Holloway. Because he is hard to hold, he has excellent cardio, he throws a lot of volume. I think these are things that could be difficult for Makhachev.”


Dariush also pointed out that one of the keys to the Makachev puzzle would be cardio. He cited how Merab used a mixture of pace, pressing, and cardio against Umar Nurmagomedov. He believes a similar strategy might be used against Islam.

Holloway has been a cardio god all his career with multiple fights finishing in the championship rounds and going the distance. He doesn’t slow down in these rounds either and keeps upping the volumes of his punches till the better end.

Dariush makes an interesting case but Holloway plans on taking the scenic route to the top.

Holloway vs Oliveira for BMF

The two former UFC champions first met 10 years ago in a featherweight bout at UFC Fight Night 74, but Charles Oliveira picked up an injury during the fight and the fight had to be stopped in under 2 minutes. Fast forward to today, both fighters have captured UFC gold and now want to slog it out for the BMF title. 

During the presser for UFC 311, ‘Do Bronx’ was asked about a potential title rematch against Makhahev. He definitely seemed interested in it but pointed out that since the champion might take a while to return, he would like to take on Holloway first.


Holloway wasted no time replying on social media, suggesting the showdown would happen during International Fight Week in June. 


The history of this title means this will have to be an out-and-out dogfight. But both fighters are fan favorites, so it will be weird for fans to be rooting for one!

Post Edited By:Smrutisnat Jena

About the author

Kevin Binoy

Kevin Binoy

With more than 4 years of journalistic experience in the mixed martial arts industry, Kevin Binoy is a true connoisseur of the sport. He is an MMA journalist at The SportsRush but the 'break room historian' watches every sport under the sun. While his degree in economics enables him to call Paris home, Kevin only ever humbly brags having caught a glimpse of Demetrious Johnson that one time LIVE in Singapore. Kevin has covered countless UFC PPVs with over 2500 articles and millions of views to his name. He mainly covers PPVs and Fight Nights but also has a finger on the pulse of MMA pop culture.

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