The Ultimate Fighting Championship has removed former featherweight champion Max Holloway from its 145-pound rankings after the Hawaiian fighter publicly requested the change. The rankings committee confirmed the decision this week, ending Holloway’s status as the division’s No. 1 contender just days before the organisation releases its next official list. Holloway, 32, said he is “not going back down to 145” and intends to remain at lightweight, where he is ranked No. 5 and holds the UFC’s symbolic “BMF” belt. He captured that title with a last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April and is scheduled to defend it against longtime rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 on 19 July in New Orleans—expected to be Poirier’s retirement bout. The vacancy at featherweight opens a spot for newly ranked contender Steve Garcia, while Bryce Mitchell re-enters the top 15. Holloway leaves the division on the back of a knockout defeat to champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 but departs as its most prolific striker, compiling a 26-8 record that includes title wins over José Aldo and victories in three weight classes.