Max Holloway laughs off Justin Gaethje’s recent claim regarding not needing a rematch

Max Holloway thinks he’s being baited by Justin Gaethje ahead of his UFC 329 clash.

On July 11, Max Holloway will welcome Conor McGregor back to the Octagon once they headline International Fight Week’s UFC 329.

Due to proven fact that McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021 and withdrew from his scheduled clash against Michael Chandler, ‘Blessed’ Holloway has pleaded with the Irishman to ‘please show up’.

And someone who will likely be watching on when the previous BMF champion and McGregor hopefully meet within the T-Mobile Arena is recently crowned lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje.

Can Conor McGregor 🇮🇪 overcome a five-year layoff to beat Max Holloway again?

Holloway thinks Gaethje is attempting to bait him right into a disagreement

Gaethje confirmed he will likely be in attendance to look at his former foe tackle the previous UFC double champion, stating that he would ‘like to punch’ McGregor within the face.

And after making it clear that he would quite a clash against the Irishman next, ‘The Highlight’ claimed that he feels as if he got his win back over Holloway by beating Ilia Topuria.

That could be a comment that has confused Holloway, who believes Gaethje could also be attempting to bait him right into a disagreement before his clash at UFC 329.

“I saw (him say) that, I assumed, you recognize how AI is (so popular) and other people put out fake posts, I assumed it was fake after which I saw the video, I used to be like, ‘Holy s—‘,” Holloway told MMAJunkie.

“I used to be form of tripping out nevertheless it is what it’s. If he feels that way then technically I’ve beaten Conor McGregor (because I beat Dustin Poirier), so I’m in a fantastic spot. I don’t know why he’s saying that, possibly he’s saying it to ruffle some feathers.

“I do know that he said he couldn’t hate me in there so possibly he’s baiting me into talking some s— in order that if we do rematch he may be like, ‘Look, he talked s—‘, I’ve got nothing but love for Justin,” he continued.

If Holloway is capable of hand McGregor his third loss in a row, it could put him in an especially favorable position within the title conversation.

Having already knocked Gaethje out in emphatic fashion, the champion may decide to defend his title against ‘Blessed’ next if he comes out of UFC 329 with a win.

“UFC’s gonna do what they think is best… If I’m going on the market and get an exciting win… Get my hand raised in exciting fashion, the ball is gonna be within the UFC’s court,” Holloway said.