Max Holloway, certainly one of the UFC’s most beloved and resilient fighters, stunned MMA fans this week with the somber news that his competitive 2025 campaign could also 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 rest of the 12 months, possibly extending into 2026.
“I see a specialist a while this week … things should not looking too up for me fighting yet another time this 12 months,” Holloway admitted, voicing frustration but in addition a way of resignation. The BMF champion emphasized the uncertainty around his recovery, adding, “My right hand still hurts … if you’ve gotten hopes of me fighting before the top of the 12 months, probably not gonna occur”.
🚨 Max Holloway says he probably won’t fight again in 2025 as a consequence of an injured hand
“My right hand still hurts… if you’ve gotten hopes of me fighting before the top of the 12 months, probably not gonna occur.
I see a specialist a while this week… things should 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 Latest 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 many UFC’s elite.
DUSTIN POIRIER AND MAX HOLLOWAY THROW DOWN IN THEIR LAST EVER FIGHT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HxdOYgPmTs
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) July 20, 2025
However the triumph got here at a painful cost. Holloway disclosed that he suffered a serious hand injury throughout the bout, a “silly injury” in his own words, that now overshadows his profession 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 should not looking up for me fighting yet another time this 12 months”. His transparency in regards to the injury has resonated powerfully inside the MMA community, as fans and pundits alike process the fact that we may not see “Blessed” within 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 only one fight away from the highest of the division, a reality now upended by injury.
Impact on Holloway’s Profession and the Lightweight Division
Max Holloway’s forced absence is a significant 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 very inopportune moment. He stays ranked within the division’s top three and holds notable victories over Justin Gaethje and Poirier, each 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 following title shot, Holloway’s withdrawal shifts the pecking order.
Away from the cage, Holloway is philosophical but grounded. “I get to be a fan somewhat bit … be a father. I’m excited for the longer term, but what’s next? I couldn’t inform you. Now this silly injury pushed me back somewhat bit, so we don’t know what’s going to occur”.
For now, Holloway’s focus is on recovery and family, a rare downtime in a decade-long UFC profession defined by activity, volume, and sturdiness. His legacy, marked by epic title runs at featherweight, never-back-down wars, and the capture of the BMF crown, is assured no matter this setback. But the fact stays: Max Holloway’s injured hand will keep him from motion, with fans and division rivals forced to attend 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 broader 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 the very least early 2026, UFC stakeholders, from matchmakers to fans, are left recalibrating expectations within the lightweight division.
When Holloway does return, the stakes shall be higher than ever. His own words reflect each the agony and hope inherent in elite sport: “I’m excited for the longer term,” he said. For Max Holloway, and for everybody who admires his fighting spirit, there’s every reason to consider his comeback shall be definitely worth the wait.