Jon Anik recalls Max Holloway's decade-old middleweight ambitions

UFC commentator Jon Anik says Max Holloway once told him he planned to compete at middleweight before his career ends.

Anik revealed the conversation during a recent interview with Submission Radio, recalling that the former featherweight champion shared the ambition eight or nine years ago. Holloway faces Conor McGregor at welterweight this Friday at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, marking his debut at 170 pounds.

Holloway's welterweight debut raises questions about future weight moves

"Max Holloway said to me 8 or 9 years ago that he was going to take a UFC fight at middleweight before all was said and done," Anik said, per Sherdog. "So I'm fascinated to see how his frame looks on the scale and what he looks like as a UFC welterweight."

The Hawaiian moved up to lightweight in 2024 for a BMF title bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, stopping him with a buzzer-beater knockout in the final round. Holloway stayed at 155 pounds for a title challenge against Ilia Topuria, then rebounded with a win over Dustin Poirier before losing the BMF strap to Charles Oliveira in March.

Holloway meets McGregor at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, where many expect the size difference to favor the returning Irishman. McGregor has not fought in five years.

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — UFC commentator Jon Anik recalls Max Holloway’s decade-old middleweight plans