UFC News: Max Holloway Responds to Callout From Former NFL Pro Bowler Turned Boxer

UFC 300 was one of the most historic nights of fights that the Ultimate Fighting Championship has ever seen. From three title fights and a slew of undercard battles that featured present and past champions, the night was the most special event the organization has ever seen.

One of the reasons the night was so special had to do with Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje facing off for the BMF (Baddest Mother F*****) title. Gaethje came into the fight as the number-2 ranked lightweight in the UFC, and had recently won the BMF belt by knocking out Dustin Poirier, who was the number-3 ranked lightweight.

Holloway moved up a weight class and showcased a clinic at the lightweight division after knocking Gaethje out cold in the final second of the fifth round. The UFC and the sports world were left reeling, and the dominant victory has opened the door for Holloway to take on any number of opponents. However, Holloway has since been called out by an unexpected opponent: a former Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, Chad Ochocinco.

Ochocinco was speaking to co-host Shannon Sharpe on their Nightcap Podcast when he asked Sharpe how long he thinks he could last against Holloway in the UFC octagon.

Ochocinco states, "What do you think would happen if Max Holloway had to fight me?" Sharpe responded simply with, "Boxers don't do well in the UFC...that's why UFC fighters have to go to the boxing ring, ain't no boxer gonna do nothing with any guy in the UFC."

Ochocinco states that he was "state wrestling champ in '82" and that "he has hands." However, when Ochocinco asked bluntly what round he would lose to Holloway in, Sharpe answered not with a round but indicated it would take Holloway "30 seconds," to dispatch Ochocinco.

Ochocinco then makes his plea to Holloway to at least spar with him. For those who may not know, Ochocinco has been a professional boxer since his exit from the NFL. For instance, he took on Brian Maxwell in 2021 and lost—but still showed some brilliance in the boxing field.

While facing off against Holloway in an MMA bout would be dubious, the callout has since been seen by Holloway. He even responded to Ochocinco with a laugh and a friendly invite.

Holloway responded by stating, "lol he has to be trolling. Ever in Hawaii, lmk." Despite understanding that Ochocinco is likely joking in terms of lasting with him in the octagon, Holloway did extend an invite to at least train or spar with the wide-receiver-turned-boxer.

Holloway began his career as a professional mixed martial artist in 2011 and began as a fighter in the lightweight division. However, after his first few fights, he would move down to featherweight. Holloway faced off against some of the most fearsome featherweights in his dominant run within the division like Jose Aldo, Anthony Pettis, and Brian Ortega.

He obtained and retained the featherweight championship title for many years but has since lost it. Despite losing to former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice, Holloway has rebounded, putting on a clinic in the lightweight division on April 13.

The massive victory could open the door for him to return to face current UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, or stay and fight one of the top-ranked opponents in the lightweight division. While he may have the choice of his next opponent, it is highly unlikely to be Ochocinco.