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Max Holloway, one of the UFC's most beloved and resilient fighters, stunned MMA fans this week with the somber news that his competitive 2025 campaign may be all but over. In a candid update shared via social media, Holloway revealed that a right-hand injury, sustained during his hard-fought victory against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the year, possibly extending into 2026.
“I see a specialist some time this week … things are not looking too up for me fighting one more time this year,” Holloway admitted, voicing frustration but also a sense of resignation. The BMF champion emphasized the uncertainty around his recovery, adding, “My right hand still hurts … if you have hopes of me fighting before the end of the year, probably not gonna happen”.
🚨 Max Holloway says he probably won't fight again in 2025 due to an injured hand
“My right hand still hurts… if you have hopes of me fighting before the end of the year, probably not gonna happen.
I see a specialist some time this week… things are not looking too up of me… pic.twitter.com/KEjLHBbZ6z
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 1, 2025
Max Holloway’s UFC 318 Triumph and Sudden Setback
Max Holloway’s July win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 was a momentous milestone. Facing off against his longtime rival in New Orleans, Holloway delivered a decisive unanimous victory (48–47, 49–46, 49–46), capping Poirier’s retirement fight and defending his symbolic BMF belt. Holloway outstruck Poirier across five grueling rounds, further cementing his place among the UFC’s elite.
DUSTIN POIRIER AND MAX HOLLOWAY THROW DOWN IN THEIR LAST EVER FIGHT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HxdOYgPmTs
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) July 20, 2025
But the triumph came at a painful cost. Holloway disclosed that he suffered a serious hand injury during the bout, a “stupid injury” in his own words, that now overshadows his career momentum and future plans. As Holloway shared in his YouTube address, “I already met with my doctor, now I’ve got to go meet the specialist, but things are not looking up for me fighting one more time this year”. His transparency about the injury has resonated powerfully within the MMA community, as fans and pundits alike process the reality that we may not see “Blessed” in the Octagon again until 2026.
The featherweight standout, who recently made a full transition to the lightweight division, had hoped to position himself for a title shot against newly-crowned champion Ilia Topuria. Holloway, still chasing the dream of avenging his previous knockout loss to Topuria, now finds those ambitions delayed by forces outside his control. His dominant performance at UFC 318 suggested he was just one fight away from the top of the division, a reality now upended by injury.
Impact on Holloway's Career and the Lightweight Division
Max Holloway's forced absence is a major shakeup for the UFC lightweight landscape. In an era where championship opportunities and marquee matchups hinge on timing and streaks, Holloway’s injury arrives at a particularly inopportune moment. He remains ranked in the division’s top three and holds notable victories over Justin Gaethje and Poirier, both pivotal wins for his lightweight ambitions.
The news has also complicated potential matchmaking scenarios. With contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Paddy Pimblett vying for the next title shot, Holloway’s withdrawal shifts the pecking order.
Away from the cage, Holloway is philosophical but grounded. “I get to be a fan a little bit … be a father. I’m excited for the future, but what’s next? I couldn’t tell you. Now this stupid injury pushed me back a little bit, so we don’t know what’s going to happen”.
For now, Holloway’s focus is on recovery and family, a rare downtime in a decade-long UFC career defined by activity, volume, and durability. His legacy, marked by epic title runs at featherweight, never-back-down wars, and the capture of the BMF crown, is assured regardless of this setback. But the reality remains: Max Holloway’s injured hand will keep him from action, with fans and division rivals forced to wait for his eventual, and much-anticipated, return.
Holloway’s openness about his injury and rehabilitation speaks volumes about his character and commitment to transparency. The wider MMA community will watch closely for updates after his specialist visit, but all signs point to a full shutdown of his 2025 competitive calendar. With Holloway likely out until at least early 2026, UFC stakeholders, from matchmakers to fans, are left recalibrating expectations in the lightweight division.
When Holloway does return, the stakes will be higher than ever. His own words reflect both the agony and hope inherent in elite sport: “I’m excited for the future,” he said. For Max Holloway, and for everyone who admires his fighting spirit, there’s every reason to believe his comeback will be worth the wait.
