Max Holloway Addresses Bare-knuckle Boxing Rumors

BMF Champion Max Holloway has rejected the idea of transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing after his MMA career, calling it “the stupidest thing.”

Holloway’s comments come despite a growing trend of UFC fighters, such as Mike Perry and Darren Till, who have made the crossover. Holloway, who is known for being one the best boxers in the UFC, is aware of the long-term physical damage associated with bare-knuckle. While the financial incentives of BKFC are high, Holloway’s priorities are elsewhere. Holloway is coming off a win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in August, as he retained his BMF belt. He suffered a hand injury, which is expected to rule him out until next year, as his focus is on MMA with a possible boxing match after his UFC retirement, but not a bare-knuckle bout.

“I ain’t never going to do bare-knuckle fighting, that’s the most stupidest thing ever in the world. When I’m retired, I’m retired. Maybe do a boxing match – but not a bare-knuckle one. People who do that is next level. People who do [Power Slap], bare-knuckle, you guys are crazy. Actually crazy. [Power Slap] is so nuts. Why would I want to just stand there? You slap me and I slap you? That’s actually crazy,” Holloway said

The Implications

Holloway’s decision to prioritize his health and legacy is the strongest argument for why he is right to reject BKFC. Paulie Malignaggi, the former two-weight boxing world champion, was sent to hospital after his split-decision victory over Tyler Goodjohn this month. Paulie complained of vision problems, reportedly had broken ribs and lacerations to his face. For a fighter known for his high-volume striking and pace—a style that relies on intact hands and quick reflexes—the cumulative damage from BKFC is a massive risk.

“They x-rayed me, and didn’t give me the results of my hands. They gave me a CAT scan. I have got broken ribs in the back from all the kidney punches—the kid broke my ribs with the kidney punches. My lower rib on my left side. My eyes are too foggy still, when they use the light it is too foggy for them to tell the extent of the damage.

“They are hoping that it’s just poked and that’s it, but it’s too foggy, which means there is bleeding back there. They have to check for a retina tear. Until that clears up, they can’t really make a judgment on whether I have a torn retina or not. I pray to God that I don’t have a torn retina. But my eyesight is getting better in that eye, that’s positive—it’s not back one hundred percent, but it’s at least foggy,” Malignaggi said

Despite the risks, Holloway’s refusal to join BKFC represents a major missed financial opportunity. Fighters who have made the transition, such as Mike Perry, have become the biggest draws in BKFC, commanding massive, life-changing purses. Holloway’s name alone would make him the biggest star in the promotion, virtually guaranteeing a multi-million-dollar payday that could easily exceed the money he makes in non-title UFC bouts.