Max Holloway’s aspirations for a rematch with Ilia Topuria have been stalled due to a hand injury sustained during his UFC 318 win over Dustin Poirier, which will keep him out of action until 2026.

Holloway had hoped a successful bout against Poirier would elevate him into lightweight title contention. Currently, the top candidates vying for the lightweight champion title include Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, Holloway, and Paddy Pimblett.

Holloway expressed a desire to redeem his previous loss to Topuria but lamented a “stupid” hand injury that will prevent any fights this year.

“If I get the next title shot, that’d be great, but if you’re expecting me to fight again before the year ends, that will likely not happen,” Holloway stated on his YouTube channel.

He mentioned consulting with a doctor and planned to see a specialist, indicating that his chances of returning to the octagon this year are bleak.

Holloway is two fights removed from his featherweight title challenge against Topuria, who is the only fighter to knockout Holloway in 35 professional bouts. Since then, both fighters transitioned to lightweight. Topuria has recently claimed the vacant lightweight title and Holloway defended the BMF belt against the retiring Poirier.

Holloway believes he deserves the next title shot and disagreed with critics who dismiss his chances, particularly those backing Justin Gaethje, whom Holloway knocked out at UFC 300.

“Many claim that Ilia and I don’t make sense as I lost to him before, but how can they support someone I’ve already beaten?”