Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje rematch talk

Max Holloway does not understand Justin Gaethje's math. The former featherweight champion responded to Gaethje's recent suggestion that dethroning Ilia Topuria somehow settled the score from their UFC 300 encounter, where Holloway landed one of the sport's most memorable knockouts. "I saw Justin saying, too, and I had no idea about if you [beat] somebody [else], you beat them," Holloway told MMA Fighting. "Technically, I beat Conor McGregor because I bust Dustin [Poirier], if that's what he's saying."

Gaethje stopped Topuria at the UFC White House card to claim the undisputed lightweight title after earning interim gold earlier this year. Speaking to Jim Rome afterward, he addressed a potential Holloway rematch by noting, "Max definitely knocked me out. But I feel like I got that win back with the Ilia Topuria fight." Gaethje also said he plans to sit front row for Holloway's UFC 329 main event against McGregor on July 11 and added he "would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face."

Holloway praises Gaethje performance, eyes McGregor fight

Holloway said he was surprised so many observers wrote off Gaethje ahead of the Topuria clash. "People counting Justin out, I was tripping out," he said. "I didn't have Justin winning but I thought if Justin could win, he would have to do it that way." He praised Gaethje for sticking to a smart game plan and surviving a brutal body shot, calling him "a demon" for gutting through the moment.

A win over McGregor next month would position Holloway for another run at 155 pounds, potentially setting up the rematch Gaethje seems reluctant to pursue. "At the end of the day, that fight of course it's right there," Holloway said, per MMA Fighting. "It's dangling right in front of him." He added that the UFC keeps him guessing on what comes next but expressed confidence he will handle business in "great fashion" against McGregor.

UFC 329 takes place July 11 with Holloway and McGregor headlining in what marks the Irishman's return after more than a year away from competition.

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• MMA Fighting — Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje’s comments about potential rematch after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC White House