Parnasse On Holloway Accepting His Callout

Salahdine Parnasse isn't confident Max Holloway will accept his callout after his UFC Paris headliner.

Parnasse stopped Dan Hooker in the first round on Saturday and immediately called for a fight with the Hawaiian featherweight legend. But the debuting Frenchman told Ariel Helwani he's unsure whether Holloway will take the bout, believing he presents problems the former champion might prefer to avoid. "I really, really think I'm ready. I've been training for a long time, since I was 11 years old, for this," Parnasse said, per BJ Penn. "I called out Max Holloway. I really hope he's going to accept."

Parnasse Open To Anyone In Top Five

The 24-2 fighter said he's willing to face any ranked opponent if Holloway passes. Parnasse, a former KSW champion at both featherweight and lightweight, stressed he has no interest in trash talk and simply wants to prove himself against elite competition. "Look at my face. It's clean. Tomorrow, I'm ready," he added. "Max Holloway would be the perfect fight. He likes challenges, and I think we could have a very good war together. I have a lot of respect for Max. I'm ready for anyone in the top five."

A matchup with Holloway could position the winner for a title shot, though whether the established contender would face the relatively unknown Parnasse remains unclear. The Frenchman's clean UFC debut and undamaged face after the Hooker finish suggest he's serious about a quick turnaround.

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• BJPenn — Salahdine Parnasse uncertain Max Holloway will accept fight after his UFC Paris win: ‘I’m ready for anyone’