Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje will go to war at UFC 300.

Say what you want about the BMF championship. The upcoming third-overall title tilt and first defense couldn’t be any more perfect of a matchup for the gimmick. Sure, one can make many arguments regarding what should qualify or what types of fighters should be involved in the selective bout. However, one thing is unanimously agreed upon: It should be fun.

Holloway and Gaethje are guaranteed entertainment regardless of opponent. Throw in the element of “Blessed” returning to lightweight, and intrigue only elevates. Unfortunately for Holloway, he’s been given little chance after his most recent failed bid, his Dustin Poirier interim title unanimous decision loss a full five years ago come April 13.

“Everybody keeps on bringing up the fight with Poirier, the 155 fight,” Holloway said on his YouTube channel. “It is what it is, I said what I said. No excuses. I just had six weeks for that camp. This came, we had 10 or more weeks. I can’t even — I don’t even remember how long we had, that’s how long we had. So, at the end of the day, I feel strong. I feel great. I can’t wait to go out there and prove [it].

“You guys want to see the difference? Tune in April 13. You’re gonna see the difference.”

Poirier is only one of two men who’s bested the legendary Hawaiian this past decade. Along the way, the 32-year-old Holloway (25-7) became an all-time great for his work as a former UFC featherweight champion.

Despite his size as a longstanding 145-pounder, Holloway wants to let the world know how fearless he is with matchups like Gaethje. Hell, give the man a “Predator,” and he’ll try his hand at him, too. There’s only one Holloway, and he’s got a lot left that he wants to accomplish.

That all continues at UFC 300 inside the T-Mobile Arena.

“I see the minds blown, being, ‘Oh, yeah, Max’s talking like this, weighing to heavyweight, Francis Ngannou, ask him to fight him,’” Holloway said. “Bring it on, brother. Think I care? That’s why me and you guys are different. This is why a lot of fighters is cut from a different cloth. Even some fighters is worried about certain weights. Why?

“If you’re on the pound-for-pound list, you should be willing to fight anybody. That’s what the pound-for-pound list is for, right? Ain’t that what the pound-for-pound list is for? I thought the pound-for-pound list was of not just their weight class. If you’re in a weight class, you’re No. 1 in your weight class. You’re a champion in your weight class, I mean. If you’re on the pound-for-pound list, that means pound-for-pound where you stand amongst these other pound-for-pound guys.

“I’m sick and tired of everybody telling me what I gotta think, how I do, putting a limit on me,” he concluded. “Just because you put a limit on yourself, don’t put a limit on others. You guys’ limit is sky, I’m reaching for the star, other universes. We’re not the same.”

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TOP STORIES

Pokes. Chris Weidman reacts to controversial win over Bruno Silva: ‘Was he looking for a way out? I don’t know’

Action. Bruno Silva to appeal UFC Atlantic City loss, says Chris Weidman ‘acted in bad faith’ with multiple eye pokes

Debate. Bo Nickal calls Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs a ‘freaking fraud’ following wrestling dispute

Hungry. Igor Severino ‘heartbroken’ with death threats after biting controversy, ‘but I’ll own my mistakes and try to come back’

New. UFC 302 fight card official for Newark, several bouts announced

Random. Georges St-Pierre recalls surviving close encounter with silverback gorilla

$$$. UFC Atlantic City bonuses: Nate Landwehr cashes another check with ferocious win

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VIDEO STEW

UFC Atlantic City Post Show.

This is Cinemma: Fight Valley.

Journey to Champion: Alex Pereira.

Free fights.

RIZIN Landmark 9 Full Fights.

Usman.

PFL San Antonio Fight Camp Confidential and Fight Week.

Invicta 2 KOs.

Sparring day.

Nickal’s Road to UFC 300.

Styling in Dubai.

Volk Explores and Cooks.

A Wonderboy kick tutorial.

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MORNING MUSIC

Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or find one of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re currently really into. I’ll pick the best one alongside my daily choice and give you a shoutout! You can also share in the comments below — those are just harder to sift through sometimes!

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Yeesh.

Things you love to see.

Lol.

Right?

Getting ready to come back, I see.

Epic.

Experience.

Update.

Tarzan.

Peace.

Work.

Sarami!

Bullet.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Yuki Motoya (34-12, 1 NC) vs. Ryuya Fukuda (22-8-1); Deep 119 Impact, May 3

Derrick Lewis (27-12) vs. Rodrigo Nascimento (11-1); UFC St. Louis, May 11

Phil Rowe (10-4) vs. Jake Matthews (18-7); UFC 302, June 1

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m not predicting or picking Max to win, not that I’m the greatest mystic these days, but I do expect him to do better than most think he will. Can this fight be now, please?

Ignore any news today! Thanks for reading!

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POLL POSITION

Last Week’s Results:

Friday: 28% of 335 total votes answered “Paulo Costa” when asked, “Who do you expect Sean Strickland to fight next?”

Thursday: 75% of 250 total votes answered “Erin Blanchfield” when asked, “Who wins this weekend?” Manon Fiorot defeated Blanchfield via unanimous decision in UFC Atlantic City’s main event.

Wednesday: 50% of 369 total votes answered “No” when asked, “Do you want to see Francis Ngannou box again?”

Tuesday: 57% of 532 total votes answered “Michael ‘Venom’ Page” when asked, “Who will have a more successful UFC career?”

Monday: 61% of 327 total votes answered “Yes” when asked, “Will Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier happen next?”

Today’s exit poll:

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If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @DrakeRiggs_ on Twitter and let him know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.