Win Sunday could mean opportunity for Holloway

There’s more than just money that comes with being the headliner.

Waianae’s Max Holloway learned that first-hand this week as he prepared to fight Charles Oliveira in the main event of Sunday’s UFC Fight Night event in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Holloway (13-3, 9-3), ranked fifth in the UFC’s featherweight division, participated in an open workout and did countless media interviews, as is typical for the headline fighters.

With this being the UFC’s first event in Saskatchewan, Holloway has been the lead guy introducing the sport to a new fan base and cherishing the opportunity.

"It comes with the territory," Holloway said last week before leaving Hawaii. "You’ve got to know about this stuff. You can’t complain about the media, because you guys are the ones putting my name out there. The main event guys do everything from Wednesday to the weigh-in day, so it’s going to be a lot, but I’m ready."

Holloway, who weighed in at 145 pounds on Saturday, also has to prepare for the possibility of fighting a full five rounds, which is customary for all main event fights.

It would surprise both fighters if it lasts that long. Holloway said in the buildup for the fight that he believes he’s the best striker in any division, while Oliveira said after the weigh-in he expects to finish the fight early.

Oliveira (20-4, 7-4) is on a four-fight win streak and five of his last six victories in the UFC have come via submission.

No fighter in any division has more wins by submission since 2010 than Oliveira.

"He’s one of those guys that when you watch him fight, when he gets you in a submission, he’s not letting go unless he breaks (a bone) or puts you to sleep," Holloway said. "His striking has been coming a long way too, so we’ll see what happens. I want to see how he feels when I get in there with him."

Holloway has won two UFC fights by submission, including in his most recent bout against Cub Swanson that jumped him into the top five in the division.

But it’s his striking that has made him a fan favorite and put him in line for a potential world title shot.

Current champion Jose Aldo and interim champion Conor McGregor will unify the titles in December.

A seventh consecutive win would put Holloway in position to challenge the winner, but would also mean a layoff of at least seven months.

The 23-year-old who has already fought 12 times in the UFC doesn’t want to wait that long.

"I can’t be overlooking (Oliveira), but ideally why not put me and Frankie (Edgar) on that same card (as Aldo and McGregor) as a No. 1 contender fight?" Holloway said. "But I’ve got to keep my head straight and focus on Oliveira now."

Holloway has been good at staying focused, especially during his recent winning streak.

He credits much of that to the people that surround him.

"I’m at a great place," Holloway said. "I’m married. I got a great 3-year-old son. I just bought my first house, so life is good. My fighting career couldn’t be going better. I’m on a six-fight win streak and one of the finishes was over a top-10 guy.

"My confidence is at an all-time high and I know it’s cliche, but I’m blessed."

The main card begins at 3 p.m. and will be televised on Fox Sports 1. Holloway’s fight should go off around 5:30 p.m.