After defeating Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway wants a new ranking system for the ‘BMF Division’.
Over the weekend, Holloway became the first man to successfully defend the BMF belt as he beat Poirier in their trilogy bout.
Poirier’s retirement fight at UFC 318 ended with Holloway finally beating his two-time rival at the third time of asking.
Following ‘The Diamond’s emotional final moments in the octagon, talks turned to who Holloway will face next.
Holloway once again expressed his interest in fighting Ilia Topuria in a world title shot next.
If he doesn’t secure his rematch with Topuria, he’s likely to defend the BMF title for a second time in his next outing.
It is a symbolic belt given to the fighter who is deemed the ‘baddest motherf***er on the UFC roster.
However, as Dan Hooker was suggested as a potential next clash, the current title holder responded by calling for some changes.
In terms of matchmaking, Holloway went on to explain that he thinks the UFC’s rankings system are far from ideal.
He is pushing for greater clarity on who will most likely be next in line to challenge for his belt.
The 33-year-old said: “We need a BMF ranking. UFC, please have a BMF ranking?
“I love that, you gotta work your way up. So we can let them know. I mean, I’m not saying no to Dan Hooker, but I’m just saying, can we please have a BMF ranking so we can see it?
“Actually, I don’t even know if it’s UFC. Can we get the fans to do it? Because UFC’s rankings is slacking all over the place.”
Holloway has been very vocal about wanting to fight Topuria next.
If Topuria is unavailable, a first-time clash between Holloway and ‘The Hangman’ would be another guaranteed classic.
‘Blessed’ has acknowledged that the UFC will ultimately decide which direction to take.
With UFC CEO Dana White saying: “He just defended that BMF title. He’s ranked number four in the world [at lightweight].
“Anything is possible for Max right now.”
A rematch with Charles Oliveira may be the fan-favourite option at the moment.
Despite Holloway’s call for changes, a fight between him and Hooker would make sense
‘Blessed’ will likely return before the end of the year as he looks to build on his recent form.