Max Holloway Responds To Steve Garcia’s Call Out

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 3:24 AM ET

Max Holloway delivered a humorous response to featherweight Steve Garcia’s callout, using a popular internet meme from 50 Cent.

Garcia, fresh off his first-round TKO win over David Onama at UFC Vegas 110, used his post-fight interview to name-check both Josh Emmett and Holloway. Garcia’s sixth stoppage from his last seven bouts could increase his chances of securing the fight. However, there are a few issues over such a fight.

The BMF Champion successfully moved up to the lightweight division for his last outing, securing a victory against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in July. Furthermore, Holloway is currently sidelined after suffering a hand injury following the Poirier bout. Once recovered, “Blessed” has been linked with a rematch against former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira, who lost their first encounter due to a first-round shoulder injury.

“You know what? I’m going to throw a little curveball in there. I want the Rocky Balboa story. I want the one with Max Holloway, the BMF title, man. This kid is southpaw. There’s nobody out of Albuquerque, New Mexico calling his shot. I want that champ. I want that BMF Max Holloway champion right there,” Garcia said

X: @BlessedMMA

The Approach

Holloway’s strategy revolves around cardio, relentless pace, and volume striking. Holloway would use his excellent distance management and subtle head movement to take the sting out of Garcia’s most powerful strikes. He would constantly throw, feint, and create angles to wear down Garcia’s explosive power.

Garcia’s best chance for victory lies in a high-risk, high-reward early finish. Garcia’s strategy must prioritize disrupting Holloway’s rhythm and preventing the fight from reaching the later rounds where Holloway’s cardio advantage is supreme. His tactical objective would be to apply immediate, aggressive pressure and land one of his devastating, fight-ending shots. Garcia, a southpaw known for a high finishing rate, would use heavy combinations, targeting both the head and body with power to force Holloway to cover up.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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