Fighters with nine-fight winning streaks usually get a title shot in the UFC.
But not the number three ranked featherweight Max Holloway (16-3).
The record-holder for most wins in the 145-pound division has been primed for a title-shot after adding wins Ricardo Llamas and Cub Swanson to his already impressive resumé.
But the Hawaiian has been having trouble getting attention.
Recently, interim champion José Aldo (26-2) admitted that he would rather face no. 10 ranked featherweight Anthony Pettis, who recently moved down to the division. Aldo finds Pettis to be the easier and more profitable fight.
This rubbed Holloway the wrong way, and he said as much to the media in the UFC’s promotional tour for the upcoming UFC Fight Night: Manila.
“It is what it is. There’s nothing I can do. All I can do is keep talking my talk and keep walking my walk. If Jose Aldo finally decides to fight, we’ll get the fight,” remarked Holloway after holding an open workout in front of a packed SM Megamall.
“I just lost more respect for our champion. Our champion should be willing to fight the best guy in the world. I understand that everyone’s talking about these money fights – these mega fights – but at the end of the day you should want to fight,” the 24-year-old continued.
“Blessed” thinks he’s the money fight that Aldo, who is coming into the later portion of his career, wants.
“He blatantly came out and said he would rather fight (Anthony) Pettis because he thinks Pettis is an easier fight and he sells more,” he futhered.
“So he’s trying to do the money way but you know the money fight is Max Holloway.”
But Holloway is not looking to remain idle and wait for a champion to acknowledge him.
“If we need to get to 10, we’ll get to 10. I believe I’m the best man in the world.
“You see people hold out for title shots and that just blows my mind. If you think you’re the best guy in the world, just keep proving it. I understand you can get injured and this and that can happen. But go in there and control what you can control and go out there and keep doing you and winning fights,” he continued.
He only asks fight fans to get on social media and help him get some shine.
“So when you’re on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or whatever, I want everyone to tag me and Jose Aldo and Dana White,” he implored.
“Let’s show these guys that this is the fight they’re looking for. Jose Aldo can’t keep running forever.”
