Max Holloway, one of the UFC’s most enduring stars, is positioning for a potential blockbuster fight against Conor McGregor in 2026. Though Holloway lost his BMF title to Charles Oliveira in March 2026, he remains a top contender and has emerged as the frontrunner to face McGregor upon the Irishman’s return during International Fight Week on July 11. The fight would mark a long-awaited rematch of their 2013 bout, which McGregor won by unanimous decision and which Holloway has openly said he wants to avenge.

Beyond the ring, Holloway’s legacy has expanded off the canvas. He was named the cover athlete for EA Sports UFC 6 Ultimate Edition, set for release on June 19, 2026. A lifelong gamer, Holloway called the honor a dream come true, reflecting on growing up playing Madden and MLB The Show. He praised the game’s developers for capturing his likeness and movement, and joked about rewriting history against past rivals like Oliveira and Alex Volkanovski in the virtual Octagon.

Holloway remains candid about the evolving UFC landscape. While acknowledging fan concerns about oversaturation and a lack of new stars, he defends the promotion’s efforts, noting generational shifts in how fighters build fame. With social media and streaming now central, he sees multiple paths to stardom. As he nears 35, Holloway admits retirement is on the horizon but remains focused on competing at the highest level—especially if a win over McGregor could reposition him for another shot at the undisputed lightweight title.