Max Holloway Says He’s Blessed to Be Able to Fight For a Title

Max Holloway spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight with Anthony Pettis in the main event of UFC 206 for the interim featherweight title. Highlights are below:

On his fight with Anthony Pettis being for the interim featherweight title: “I’m just blessed to have the opportunity to be here. I always wanted to fight for a title, and I always wanted to be the main event of a pay-per-view. I can knock two off the list come Dec. 10, and I think the world is in for a treat. I thought I was going to get Pettis as the main event and move to five rounds. I didn’t think it was going to get elevated to a title shot. But the featherweight division was in murky waters, and now it’s super clear. I’ve been telling everybody this is God’s plan, not mine, and God’s plan is perfect. We’re here now, and it’s all about taking opportunities. This is an opportunity I need to take, and it’s the first step toward greatness.”

On not basking in the opportunity: “I don’t have time to think about it. I don’t have time to look at my accomplishments. I’ll have all the time in the world when I’m retired. This window is small. I want to fight till I’m 35 and see how my body feels. If I retire at 35, I have a lot more time to think how things went. That’s my plan. Every fight, I tell myself to ‘Go in there and show them who the hell you are, Max. Go in there and do the damn thing.’ That’s my approach. In MMA, people get complacent and get left behind. I’m not trying to get left behind – I’m trying to be the leader of the pack all the time. I’m trying to outgrow the sport before the sport catches up with me. I’ll enjoy my work when I’m done. But right now, it’s hard work and on to the next.”

On Pettis struggling in his last fight, a win against Charles Oliveirain August: “I’m not going to judge him off his last fight. It was his first time at the weight. I think this time it’s going to be a different Anthony Pettis, and I’m ready for the best Anthony Pettis in the world. We’ll see what Anthony Pettis shows up, because he’s getting one mother(expletive) in Max Holloway – I’m coming, and I’m focused and ready.”

On being confident him himself: “I match up with anyone in the world. Put me in there with anyone – I don’t care. I’m the best guy in the world, and I believe it. I believe in myself. If you don’t believe in yourself, then what are you doing this stuff for? I believe in my damn self. I know I’m here for a reason and I just can’t wait to prove it. This guy’s a former champion. He brings a lot to the table. But I’m trying to take everything that’s his…If you don’t know who Max Holloway is, you’re about to find out.”