Max Holloway Backs Underdog Paddy Pimblett’s Chances of Dethroning Ilia Topuria

For Holloway, understanding what it takes to stay at a championship level adds weight to his remarks. Last year, he suffered the first knockout loss of his 15-year career at UFC 308 against Ilia Topuria which was a reminder of how unpredictable the sport can be, even for veterans. His perspective highlighted that in MMA, outcomes are rarely certain, and progress can shift rapidly.

Pimblett’s rise has been defined by charisma, finishing ability, and strong fan appeal. Though his level of opposition has been questioned, the Liverpudlian has dominant wins over the likes of Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson. His unbeaten UFC record and popularity have kept him firmly in the public eye. A meeting with Topuria, who is now a two-division champion, only adds intrigue to his journey.

Max Holloway’s comments highlight the balance between merit, marketability, and opportunity in modern MMA. As champions like Ilia Topuria look beyond their divisions, the UFC continues to blend competition with spectacle. Paddy Pimblett’s rapid rise and talk of a potential clash with Topuria highlight how quickly narratives can shift, underscoring the unpredictable nature of today’s fight landscape.

Max Holloway goes off on UFC rankings after Paddy Pimblett’s promotion

The UFC’s ranking system has long been a key measure of a fighter’s position within their division, but it often sparks debate when sudden movements occur without recent high-level victories. Max Holloway recently weighed in on this issue, questioning the rapid rise of Paddy Pimblett within the lightweight standings.

Pimblett’s ascent, which placed him among the top-lightweight prospects despite fewer high-profile wins than some peers, drew attention from Holloway and others who believe the sport remains as much about entertainment as it is about performance. Holloway specifically referenced the friction between the promotional narrative and what he sees as the traditional path to contention.

I wouldn’t even look at the rankings. UFC is going to do what UFC does. You need to have spectacular fights. You need to get your name out there.

Max Holloway via Uncrowned Combat

The context of Max Holloway’s comments is amplified by the ongoing tension between Paddy Pimblett and the champion-level fighters, as well as behind-the-scenes dynamics regarding who is quickly moved toward title opportunities. Holloway’s comments regard this as part of the shifting landscape of mixed martial arts business modeling.