UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at UFC 318 in New Orleans, Max Holloway successfully defended the BMF title, marking a historic moment in mixed martial arts. The rapper Lil Wayne awarded the belt to Holloway after he defeated local favorite Dustin Poirier, who announced his retirement, leaving his gloves in the Octagon.
This victory raises immediate questions about the future for Holloway and other top fighters like Paulo Costa and Patricio Pitbull, who also made significant comebacks on the main card. Fans are eager to know who will challenge Holloway next, especially as he solidifies his position in the lightweight division.
Holloway’s next target appears to be Charles Oliveira, a former champion who is currently outside the title picture after losing to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. The two previously faced off in 2015, where Holloway won by TKO following an Oliveira injury. Many believe this rematch is overdue and a likely step for Holloway as he seeks to enhance his legacy.
There’s also buzz around Dan Hooker as a potential opponent. Should the Oliveira fight not materialize, a matchup against Hooker would provide Holloway with a compelling challenge at 155 pounds. This would not only entertain fans but also serve as a critical test of Holloway’s skills in the lightweight realm.
Meanwhile, Paulo Costa’s resurgence after a dominant performance against Roman Kopylov has fans excited. Costa, who has struggled since losing to Israel Adesanya five years ago, showed renewed vigor and focus in the Octagon. A matchup against Brendan Allen, who also secured a win over Marvin Vettori, is being discussed as a fitting next step for Costa.
Another intriguing possibility is Khamzat Chimaev, who is set to face Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title at UFC 319 on August 16. If Chimaev loses, the anticipated fight between him and Costa could become a priority, as their previous bout was canceled last October due to unforeseen circumstances.
As for Patricio Pitbull, he is looking to establish himself in the UFC after a less-than-spectacular performance. A fight against rising contender Aaron Pico could help both fighters gain traction in the featherweight division, especially with the current instability surrounding champion Alexander Volkanovski.
The landscape of the UFC is rapidly changing following UFC 318, and fans are left buzzing about the potential matchups on the horizon. With fighters like Holloway and Costa at the forefront, the excitement is palpable as they aim to climb the ranks and solidify their legacies.
Stay tuned for more updates as these fighters chart their paths in the ever-evolving world of UFC.