Holloway Challenges Gaethje’s Avenged-Loss Claim Ahead of UFC 329

On July 3, 2026, Max Holloway addressed Justin Gaethje’s assertion that his June 14, 2026 victory over Ilia Topuria “avenged” Gaethje’s 2024 knockout loss to Holloway at UFC 300. Gaethje said the Topuria win “got that win back,” while Holloway said he was unsure why Gaethje framed the result that way and described himself as “tripping out” over the logic.

Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje’s comments about potential rematch after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC White HouseMax Holloway addresses Justin Gaethje's claim that he avenged UFC 300 loss by defeating Ilia TopuriaMax Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje rematch talkUSA Today

Gaethje told Jim Rome, “Max definitely knocked me out, but I feel like I got that win back with the Ilia Topuria fight.” He added he would “love to punch Conor McGregor in the face” and plans to watch the Holloway-McGregor bout from the front row. Holloway said he was “tripping out” by people counting Gaethje out, praised Gaethje’s game plan, and noted the potential rematch “is dangling right in front of him.” He said a win over McGregor could lead to a lightweight title shot against Gaethje or a welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev.

Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje rematch talkMax Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje’s comments about potential rematch after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC White HouseMax Holloway addresses Justin Gaethje's claim that he avenged UFC 300 loss by defeating Ilia TopuriaUSA Today

Holloway questioned Gaethje’s logic, saying he “don’t know why he’s saying that, maybe he’s just saying it to ruffle some feathers.” He also noted that avenging a loss by defeating a third opponent is not a universally accepted metric, implying that Gaethje’s claim does not settle their 2024 bout.

Max Holloway addresses Justin Gaethje's claim that he avenged UFC 300 loss by defeating Ilia Topuria

• UFC 300 (April 2024): Holloway KO’d Gaethje with 1 second left, winning the BMF title.

Max Holloway addresses Justin Gaethje's claim that he avenged UFC 300 loss by defeating Ilia Topuria

• UFC Freedom 250 (June 14, 2026): Gaethje TKO’d Topuria in round 4 for the undisputed lightweight title.

Max Holloway addresses Justin Gaethje's claim that he avenged UFC 300 loss by defeating Ilia Topuria

• UFC 329 (July 11, 2026): Holloway-McGregor welterweight main event at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.

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• Holloway’s earlier loss to McGregor was a unanimous decision in August 2013.

Max Holloway responds to Conor McGregor's verbal warfare heading into their rematch at UFC 329

The UFC has not confirmed a lightweight title bout between Holloway and Gaethje, nor stated that a victory over McGregor will automatically secure such a fight. Sources also differ on whether Gaethje’s avenged-loss comment is a serious analytical claim or promotional banter.

Max Holloway addresses Justin Gaethje's claim that he avenged UFC 300 loss by defeating Ilia Topuria

• “Max definitely knocked me out. But I feel like I got that win back with the Ilia Topuria fight.” — Justin Gaethje, interview with Jim Rome

Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje rematch talk

• “would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face.” — Justin Gaethje, post-fight remarks

Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje’s comments about potential rematch after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC White House

• “People counting Justin out, I was tripping out,” — Max Holloway, interview with MMA Fighting

Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje’s comments about potential rematch after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC White House

• “At the end of the day, that fight of course it’s right there,” — Max Holloway, interview with MMA Fighting

Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje’s comments about potential rematch after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC White House

Holloway will fight McGregor at UFC 329 on July 11. A win could position him for a lightweight title challenge against Gaethje or a welterweight title challenge against Islam Makhachev, who is set to defend his belt at UFC 330. The UFC indicated that future match-making will depend on the outcomes of these headline events.

Sports IllustratedMax Holloway addresses Justin Gaethje's claim that he avenged UFC 300 loss by defeating Ilia TopuriaConor McGregor return vs Max Holloway headlines UFC 329Max Holloway responds to Justin Gaethje rematch talk