Justin Gaethje believes Max Holloway would have the clearest claim to the next lightweight title shot if he beats Conor McGregor at UFC 329.
Holloway faces McGregor in the UFC 329 main event this weekend, with the winner expected to enter the conversation for major fights across lightweight and welterweight. Gaethje, who currently sits at the centre of the lightweight title picture, sees Holloway as the stronger sporting candidate.
‘The Highlight’ said:
“If Max wins, he’d have the strongest case. He knocked me out, so he’d probably have the strongest claim to a title shot after this weekend.”
“As for Conor McGregor, I can’t see anything on paper that would justify him fighting for the championship. However, he’s Conor McGregor, and it’s the UFC, so crazy shit can always happen.”
Check out Justin Gaethje’s comments below:
Justin Gaethje Questions Conor McGregor’s Title Case Before UFC 329
Justin Gaethje’s reasoning is straightforward. Holloway already owns a knockout win over him from UFC 300, where ‘Blessed’ produced one of the most memorable finishes in UFC history in the final seconds of their BMF title fight.
That result gives Holloway a direct argument if he beats McGregor. A win at UFC 329 would add another major name to his résumé and give him momentum across multiple divisions.
McGregor’s case is different. The Irishman remains the biggest commercial draw in the sport, but he has not built a recent run that would usually justify a championship fight. That is why Gaethje separated the sporting argument from the business reality.
On paper, Holloway has the better claim. In the UFC, McGregor’s star power can change the equation.
The lightweight title picture is already crowded, but UFC 329 could force movement. If Holloway beats ‘The Notorious’, a rematch with Gaethje would be easy to justify because of their UFC 300 history. If McGregor wins, the UFC would have several bigger-money options, even if the competitive case is harder to defend.
Gaethje’s comments cut through the noise. Holloway has the résumé. McGregor has the leverage.
UFC 329 will decide which one matters more.
About The Author
