Max Holloway Declares He’ll Stay at Welterweight After UFC 329

**Max Holloway announced on 10 Jun 2023 that he will stay at welterweight after his UFC 329 performance, emphasizing that ‘never say never’ guides his weight‑class decisions.** The former featherweight champion, now a seasoned contender at 170 lb, left the interview with a clear message: the welterweight division remains his battleground.

Holloway explained that cutting back to featherweight would demand a drastic diet shift, something his body can’t sustain long‑term. He noted that his recent fight against **Leon Edwards** at UFC 329 proved he can handle the power and speed of welterweights without sacrificing cardio. The bout, which ended in a unanimous decision loss, showed he can compete toe‑to‑toe with the division’s elite.

By confirming his stay, Holloway keeps the welterweight title picture fluid. Fighters like **Kamaru Usman**, **Colby Covington**, and rising star **Ian Machado‑Garcia** now have a proven, high‑profile opponent ready to test them. Holloway’s experience at 145 lb gives him a striking advantage, while his recent weight‑class transition adds intrigue to potential match‑ups.

Holloway’s mantra signals openness to future moves. He hinted that a return to featherweight isn’t off the table if a champion‑level fight emerges. Yet, for now, he’s focused on mastering the welterweight game plan-working on power‑punch combos and grappling transitions that suit the higher weight class.

The former champion is already in camp, sharpening his jab and conditioning for a possible bout in the next UFC event slated for **late August 2026**. His team is scouting opponents who can test his durability and showcase his striking evolution. Fans can expect a press conference in **Las Vegas** where Holloway will outline his target opponent.

Staying at welterweight gives Holloway a chance to add a second‑division title to his résumé. If he captures the belt, he joins an elite group of multi‑weight champions, cementing his status among the sport’s greats. Even a series of high‑profile fights, win or lose, will keep his name in headline conversations for years.

And the conversation doesn’t stop there. Analysts are already debating whether Holloway’s move will force the UFC to reshuffle the welterweight rankings, potentially pushing **Leon Edwards** back into title contention. The ripple effect could reshape fight cards through 2027.

So while the featherweight throne remains a part of his past, the welterweight division now feels the full weight of Max Holloway’s ambition.