Holloway targets Makhachev's manager after two-belt dispute
Max Holloway escalated a social media dispute with Islam Makhachev by accusing the champion's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, of posting a mocking comment on Makhachev's behalf. The conflict began after Makhachev defended his UFC welterweight title at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026, and posed with both his welterweight and lightweight belts. Holloway criticized the display as unnecessary 'aura,' prompting a reply from Makhachev's account claiming the belts were too heavy to hold. Holloway responded on a livestream, asserting that Makhachev did not write the comment and that Abdelaziz was 'hiding behind' the fighter's Instagram. He flexed his own collection of UFC and BMF belts to prove he understands their weight, warning the manager not to 'come for his throat.'
Key points
- Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026, defeating Ian Machado Garry.
- Holloway criticized Makhachev for displaying two belts, noting only the welterweight title was defended that night.
- Makhachev's Instagram account replied that carrying two belts is 'too heavy to hold.'
- Holloway accused Ali Abdelaziz of writing the comment, stating, 'I ain't talking about Islam, I'm talking about the guy who's running his IG for him.'
- Holloway displayed his own belts on a livestream and warned against 'hiding behind another man's IG.'
- Holloway mentioned needing to purchase a Conor McGregor belt from the UFC store as he did not receive one after his July 11 win.
Background
This dispute follows Makhachev's vacating of the lightweight title in June 2025 to move up to welterweight. Holloway, a former featherweight and BMF champion, recently defeated Conor McGregor via injury at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026. The current exchange is part of a broader pattern of trash talk between the two fighters, with Holloway's next fight potentially being against Makhachev or another contender like Usman Nurmagomedov.
How outlets are covering it
MMA Fighting and The Times of India emphasize Holloway's direct confrontation with Ali Abdelaziz, framing the response as a personal attack on the manager rather than the fighter. Bloody Elbow highlights Holloway's humorous approach, noting he held multiple belts during the livestream to mock the 'too heavy' claim. Zamin.uz focuses on the broader debate regarding Makhachev holding two belts simultaneously, arguing it delays championship opportunities for other contenders in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. All sources agree that the conflict centers on the legitimacy of Makhachev's two-belt display after defending only one title at UFC 330.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between established champions and rising stars in the UFC, potentially influencing future matchmaking. It also raises questions about the role of managers in social media interactions and the perception of 'aura' versus legitimate title defense in the promotion.
What to watch
The UFC has not yet announced Makhachev's next fight or which title will be at stake. Holloway's future divisional alignment remains unclear, with possibilities including a return to lightweight or a welterweight bout. The verbal exchange may lead to a scheduled fight between the two fighters.
- ‘Don’t ever come for my throat’: Max Holloway fires back at people ‘hiding behind’ Islam Makhachev’s social media MMA Fighting
- Max Holloway goes after different target in Islam Makhachev reply: 'Hit in his head too many times' Bloody Elbow
- Xollouey on Maxachev’s belts: “You are not a two-division champion” Zamin.uz
- Islam Makhachev Responds to Max Holloway's Criticism About Holding Two UFC Belts Yahoo Sports
- Max Holloway fires back at Islam Makhachev’s “It’s too heavy” Instagram comment, flexes his multiple UFC and BMF title belts in livestream The Times of India
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