Max Holloway, the UFC’s BMF champion, announced he’s likely sidelined until 2026 due to a hand injury from his July 2025 win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. The injury, sustained during the New Orleans fight, has delayed his plans for a lightweight title shot. Holloway shared the news on his YouTube channel on August 1, 2025.
Holloway’s Injury and Recovery Plans
Holloway said on YouTube:
“My right hand still hurts. If you have hopes of me fighting before the end of the year it’s probably not gonna happen. I’m seeing a specialist some time this week and I already met with my doctor.”He added, “Now I’ve got to meet a specialist but things are not looking up for me fighting one more time this year. What’s next, I couldn’t tell you. This stupid injury has pushed things back.”
The injury happened during his unanimous decision win over Poirier at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans, where he defended his BMF title. Holloway landed heavy shots but hurt his right hand, requiring further medical tests. He’s set to see a specialist to determine the recovery timeline, ruling out a 2025 return.
Max Holloway, 33, is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and turned pro in 2010. He won the UFC featherweight title in 2017 by knocking out Jose Aldo and defended it three times, beating Aldo again, Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar. He moved to lightweight permanently in 2025 after losing the featherweight title to Ilia Topuria via knockout at UFC 308 in October 2024. His notable wins include Justin Gaethje in 2024 and Poirier in July 2025. His record is 27-8.
Holloway’s BMF title win came against Gaethje at UFC 300, and he defended it against Poirier at UFC 318. After the Poirier fight, he called for a rematch with Topuria, now the lightweight champion, but the injury has paused those plans. Known for his boxing and durability, Holloway is a fan favorite, often training with friend Chan Sung Jung, “The Korean Zombie,” who was cageside at UFC 318.
Holloway’s injury delays his lightweight title hopes, with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett in the mix. He aims to face Topuria again or fight Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. For now, he’s focusing on recovery and family, planning to return in 2026. His next fight depends on the specialist’s findings and UFC’s lightweight title plans.
