Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd –

Max Holloway RESPONDS to Charles Oliveira CALLOUT, Conor McGregor, CRAZY DC story
Release Date: March 6, 2026

Overview

This lively episode centers on Max Holloway’s upcoming title defense against Charles Oliveira and dives into Holloway’s mindset, career legacy, playful banter with co-host Daniel Cormier (DC), and potential blockbuster matchups—including rekindling a longstanding Conor McGregor rivalry. The conversation radiates the fighters’ camaraderie, candidness, and competitive spirits, while also touching on serious strategic insights about the fight game.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Banter, Friendship, and Backgrounds (00:38–02:32)

• Holloway and DC’s Chemistry: From the start, the episode oozes relaxed energy, with the pair riffing on their middle names, diets, and UFC travels. Holloway jokes about eating alligator in New Orleans and teases DC about his “white” eating habits.
  • Funny Middle Name Anecdote:
    • “Bro, you're so white, bro. Max, you're so white, bro.”
      —Max Holloway (01:25)
    • DC and Max share a personal story about discovering each other's real names (Jerome for Max, Ryan for DC).
    • "I'm gonna call you Ryan from now on." — Max Holloway (02:14)

2. Fight Week Mindset, Goals, and BMF Title (02:32–03:47)

• Max’s Excitement for Las Vegas and Title Defense:
  • Max relishes fighting in Vegas, remarking on its "Ninth Island" status for Hawaiians and the unique BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title.
    • “It’s the fight capital... I just can't wait. My BMF title on the line, head main event. Can't beat it.” — Max Holloway (02:36)
• Bigger Picture Aspirations:
  • Holloway reveals his victory over Poirier made him feel closer to a shot at the undisputed title.
    • “If you win this one this weekend, you can stand and go, hey, now, I think I deserve a chance to fight for the undisputed championship.” — Daniel Cormier (03:03)
    • Holloway agrees, highlighting the importance of “moments” to UFC and referencing a career-defining “300 moment.”
    • “If you go out there, you make a moment. That's what UFC wants, moments.” — Max Holloway (03:47)

3. Handling Pressure, Creating Moments, and Staying Smart (04:07–04:51)

• Chasing Glory, Not Forcing Moments:
  • DC asks how Max avoids chasing spectacular highlights at the expense of strategy.
  • Max stays grounded:
    • “Go out there, stick to the game plan... if the opportunity presents itself, I'll go for it. I’m not going to chase it.” — Max Holloway (04:23)

4. Charles Oliveira Matchup – Technical and Personal Breakdown (04:51–07:13)

• Mutual History and Respect:
  • Max sees fighting Oliveira, a former champ, as an honor and a chance to deliver on past hype, after their first match failed to deliver.
  • DC and Max discuss Charles as a well-rounded threat: knockout and submission skills.
• Grappling vs. Striking Joke:
  • Max laughs off claims that he “can’t grapple with Oliveira,” emphasizing the complete nature of MMA.
    • “Brother, this is MMA. So we get to find out.” — Max Holloway (06:20)
  • On Oliveira’s evolution:
    • “Before he was Jiu Jitsu Oliveira, now he’s MMA Oliveira... he's submitting these guys, right, he's not taking them down and submitting them, he's cracking them on the feet or hurting him on the feet and then submitting him. So I think he’s a very dangerous opponent.” — Max Holloway (06:20)
• Approach if Oliveira is Hurt:
  • On whether he’ll follow Oliveira to the ground:
    • “If I knocked him down 100 times, I'll tell him, get up if I need to... Sometimes he get hit, he, like, he does his dance thing... if we feel like we actually hurt him, we'll go to it, but we'll see what happens.” — Max Holloway (07:38)

5. Oliveira’s Style & Their Past (08:04–08:54)

• Expectations for Fight Approach:
  • Max prepares for everything, noting they’ve both matured immensely since their youth:
    • “You can't take nothing away, brother. We were so young. That's like 10 years ago... We both grew as kids. You're so trash as kids.” — Max Holloway (08:22)

6. Banter: Ears, Hair, & Mutual Roasting (08:54–09:17)

• Lighthearted Jabs: The duo roast each other’s looks during their fight days, keeping the tone fun and engaging.

7. Dream Fights and Conor McGregor Scenario (09:17–11:36)

• Addressing McGregor Matchup:
  • DC asks if Max would entertain a BMF fight with McGregor.
    • “If you ever got your fat ass off the couch, I'll fight you international.” — Max Holloway (10:02, playfully aimed at DC before answering the actual McGregor question)
    • “If the Conor McGregor fight goes, be dumb as hell not to take it.” — Max Holloway (11:37)
  • Max makes it clear he’s all in if the opportunity arises, balancing focus on Oliveira with openness to blockbuster fights.
• Holloway and DC’s Spirited Rivalry:
  • Max and DC joke about fighting each other in eating contests and super heavyweight divisions, again emphasizing their chemistry and humor.

8. Legacy, Retirement, and Motivation (11:50–13:38)

• Career Longevity and Motivation:

  • DC observes that, compared to other long-tenured stars, no one questions Max’s retirement timeline.
    • “Most guys... people start talking about retirement, retirement, retirement... but that doesn’t happen with you.” — Daniel Cormier (12:25)
  • Max credits his competitive drive and success against fan favorites as to why “retirement talk” isn’t louder.
    • “I got a lot more to do. I want to put my name next to history books in your name as a two division champ and one step closer come March 7th.” — Max Holloway (12:33)

• Mount Rushmore Aspirations:

  • The conversation closes with friendly ribbing about UFC all-time greats and who deserves a spot on MMA’s “Mount Rushmore.”
    • “Mount Rushmore next to me, bro, you’re not on Mount Rushmore.” — Max Holloway (12:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Context | |-----------|---------------|---------------| | 01:25 | Max Holloway | “Bro, you're so white, bro. Max, you're so white, bro.” | | 03:47 | Max Holloway | “If you go out there, you make a moment. That’s what UFC wants, moments.” | | 04:23 | Max Holloway | “Go out there, stick to the game plan... if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll go for it. I’m not going to chase it.” | | 06:20 | Max Holloway | “Brother, this is MMA. So we get to find out.” | | 07:38 | Max Holloway | “If I knocked him down 100 times, I'll tell him, get up if I need to... if we feel like we actually hurt him, we'll go to it, but we'll see what happens.” | | 08:22 | Max Holloway | “You can't take nothing away, brother. We were so young. That's like 10 years ago... We both grew as kids. You're so trash as kids.” | | 10:02 | Max Holloway | “If you ever got your fat ass off the couch, I'll fight you international.” (Joking with DC before discussing Conor) | | 11:37 | Max Holloway | “If the Conor McGregor fight goes, be dumb as hell not to take it.” | | 12:33 | Max Holloway | “I got a lot more to do. I want to put my name next to history books in your name as a two division champ and one step closer come March 7th.” | | 12:54 | Max Holloway | “Mount Rushmore next to me, bro, you’re not on Mount Rushmore.” |

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:38–02:32 – Humorous banter, background stories, and bonding.
• 02:32–03:47 – Holloway’s feelings on fighting in Vegas and defending BMF title.
• 03:47–04:51 – Chasing moments vs. sticking to strategy at an elite level.
• 04:51–07:13 – Oliveira matchup: technical analysis, evolution, “MMA Oliveira,” grappling vs. striking.
• 07:13–08:54 – Adapting to Oliveira’s style; dismissing their first fight as irrelevant due to youth and growth.
• 09:17–11:36 – Conor McGregor possibilities, more banter with DC about fighting each other.
• 11:50–13:38 – Retirement talk, Max’s motivation, and legacy/Mount Rushmore debate.

Closing Thoughts

Max Holloway’s chat with Daniel Cormier showcases the mindset of a driven, joyful warrior unafraid of tough questions or tough opponents. The discussion balances playful chemistry with real insight into how an elite MMA fighter prepares mentally and tactically for the biggest moments. Holloway’s openness to future superfights (like McGregor) and his focus on legacy, not just titles, makes it clear why he remains a fan favorite and perennial contender.