Max Holloway, the former king of the UFC featherweight division, has articulated a clear strategic objective for securing a shot at the current champion, Ilia Topuria. His plan hinges entirely on the outcome and nature of his next fight, scheduled against Dustin Poirier.
According to Holloway, simply winning the fight against Poirier may not suffice. The critical condition he identifies is achieving a “bright victory.” This term, in the context of professional combat sports, typically signifies a performance that is not only successful but also dominant, memorable, and potentially ends via knockout or submission.
Holloway draws a direct parallel to his recent, spectacular knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. That fight, fought in the lightweight division for the symbolic `BMF` title, produced an unexpected, highlight-reel finish that instantly elevated Holloway`s stock and generated significant buzz. He believes replicating such an emphatic moment against Poirier, even if the opponent is primarily known for lightweight competition, would make his claim for a featherweight title challenge undeniable.
He suggests that if he can deliver a performance at UFC 318 equivalent in impact and brilliance to his win over Gaethje, it would logically position him for a title fight against Ilia Topuria either late this year or in early 2025. The logic is straightforward: in a sport often driven by captivating narratives and must-see moments, a decisive victory over a high-profile opponent like Poirier serves as the ultimate statement of readiness and marketability for a championship contest.
For Holloway, the path back to the featherweight title currently held by Topuria runs directly through a decisive, impactful showing against Dustin Poirier. Anything less might leave his title aspirations in a less certain state, highlighting the high stakes and strategic importance of his upcoming bout.
