UFC Legend Teases Return to Fight Max Holloway for BMF Title

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After gatecrashing Dustin Poirier’s retirement party, Max Holloway seeks the next challenge of his illustrious career.

The Hawaiian-born fighter has found comfort at lightweight, defeating Dustin Poirier in their rematch and knocking out Justin Gaethje to claim the BMF title.

Holloway answered questions at UFC 318, and his recent win has sparked rumors of a rematch with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. While a rematch between Holloway and Topuria is possible, on paper, Max is still behind in the lightweight rankings.

Another BMF title defense is likely. But no one would have expected this UFC legend to target a return against Holloway.

Nate Diaz Declares Holloway’s BMF Belt Rightfully His

The UFC has been without the iconic Nate Diaz since 2022, after he opted against signing a new contract to pursue paydays in boxing.

After beating Tony Ferguson in his last UFC fight, he opened up about his decision to leave the UFC, but claimed that he would be back in the future:

Now, it looks as if Diaz’s UFC return seems closer than ever, after his latest post on X hinted at a fantasy matchup against Holloway for the BMF belt:

This guy cool but he keeps wearing my belt 😡 pic.twitter.com/wyO0oOnWnp
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 29, 2025

Diaz faced off against Jorge Masvidal in the inaugural fight for the BMF title in 2019. The fight was controversially stopped due to a doctor’s stoppage after Diaz suffered cuts on his face in the bout.

Now, Diaz may have found his reason to come back. But how likely are the chances of this dream matchup happening?

UFC Needs to Book Diaz vs. Holloway

Although Holloway has put himself back in title contention, it seems that Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett are next for Topuria, with Arman Tsarukyan being looked over.

This leaves Holloway needing a new opponent in his quest for another shot at UFC gold. Despite Holloway confirming his plans to stay at lightweight for the future, the fight could take place at 170 lbs.

Holloway’s focus on the lightweight division confirmed he’s leaving featherweight behind, though it didn’t completely shut the door on a possible jump to welterweight.

Diaz mainly fought at welterweight during his lengthy UFC career, and it would not be a surprise if the ever-game Holloway decided to move up to enable a showdown between the pair.

Holloway has previously joked about making the move up and has admitted he wants fights that add to his legacy. There’s no doubt this one would.

The potential fight would be one of the biggest draws in UFC history and would surely be one of the most entertaining bouts we have ever seen.