Holloway Questions Makhachev’s Belt Display
Max Holloway has publicly questioned Islam Makhachev’s decision to display two championship belts following his recent victory at UFC 330. Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry in the main event, achieving the longest win streak in the promotion’s history. Despite having vacated his lightweight title in June 2025, Makhachev celebrated his win on August 15 with both his welterweight and lightweight belts.
Holloway, a former champion himself, voiced his criticism during a live stream, stating, “Why the f— do you have two belts? For aura? I mean, you are a double champ but now you just defended one belt, bro.” He emphasized that while Makhachev is a double champion, he has only defended one of the titles. This sentiment reflects a broader discussion within the MMA community regarding fighters holding multiple titles simultaneously.
The American fighter further argued that it was unfair for a champion to hold two division titles while actively defending only one. He expressed his displeasure, asking, “Why the hell is he holding two belts? The situation is this, brother: you have two championship belts, but you’re not actually the champion of two weight classes. Right now, he’s defending only one belt. Why? I don’t understand it at all, guys.”
Makhachev’s Response and Holloway’s Counter
Makhachev responded to Holloway’s initial comments on an Instagram post, writing, “I don’t know, bro. It’s even too heavy to hold. But you don’t understand, sorry.” This comment suggested that Holloway would not comprehend the feeling of holding two UFC belts simultaneously. Makhachev’s victory over Garry marked his first title defense at welterweight, and he chose to display both belts as a symbol of his winning legacy.
Holloway, however, did not directly address Makhachev’s comment. Instead, he directed his reply towards the individual managing Makhachev’s social media account. In a humorous video clip shared on X, Holloway was seen attempting to hold what appeared to be four or five different titles, showcasing his own extensive collection of belts.
In the clip, Holloway stated, “I don’t know how heavy these are? The guy got hit in his head too many times. I’m not talking about Islam, I’m talking about the guy who’s running his IG for him. I don’t know how heavy these are, bro? These boys are heavy.” He continued, “Don’t tell me I don’t know what this feels like. Guy gotta do his homework on your boy. Don’t ever come for my throat, bro. Especially when you’re hiding behind another man’s IG.” This response suggests Holloway’s belief that Makhachev himself did not author the mocking comment.
Debate Over Dual Championship Reigns
The discussion initiated by Holloway’s comments has highlighted ongoing debates within the MMA community concerning fighters holding multiple titles. One significant concern is the potential for stagnation in divisions when a single fighter holds two titles, which can delay championship opportunities for other contenders in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
Experts and fighters have also raised the issue of vacating belts. Many argue that Makhachev should either defend his lightweight title soon or officially vacate it to focus entirely on the welterweight division. Makhachev vacated his UFC lightweight title in June 2025 after successfully defending it four times, a record for most title defenses in that weight class.
Holloway himself boasts an impressive championship career, having defended his undisputed featherweight title three times and holding the UFC record for most significant strikes. He has also won and defended the symbolic “BMF” Belt. Despite his accomplishments, Makhachev’s jab pointed out that Holloway has not won a legitimate UFC title outside of the featherweight division.
The UFC management has not yet officially announced the weight class for Makhachev’s next fight or which belt will be contested. Holloway’s first welterweight fight occurred one month before Makhachev’s title defense, where he defeated Conor McGregor after McGregor sustained a leg injury.
Source: bloodyelbow.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.