UFC 218: Max Holloway not looking to emulate McGregor by chasing money fights, wants to 'build an era'

UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway would rather build his legacy than focus on getting money fights at this point in his career.

The 25-year-old upset Jose Aldo in Brazil by knocking him out at UFC 212 back in June to unify the featherweight titles and extend his astonishing winning run to 11 straight wins.

Holloway was set for his first title defence against Frankie Edgar at UFC 218 on 2 December, however, "The Answer" had to pull out with an undisclosed injury, putting the main event in jeopardy.

The Hawaiian though, was fully intent on getting a replacement before it was officially confirmed that a rematch with Aldo would take place in Detroit.

"I heard a lot of names -- Cub Swanson, Ricardo Lamas, Brian Ortega, Darren Elkins, Tony Ferguson, Conor McGregor," Holloway told ESPN. "I told them I didn't care. They already know I don't care. All I ask is to send me a contract."

"Our first fight, I don't know what people are watching, but some say I was losing until I dropped him in the third. Those must be some hardcore Aldo fans. But he's been one of the best guys for years, so to show I'm the best in back-to-back fights, sign me up."

Money fights have been dominating the promotion of late, particularly after Conor McGregor's pursuit of his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather.

However, Holloway, whose last loss came against the Irishman back in 2013, prefers to act like a champion and build an era, adding that money fights can wait.

"We're talking about this all the time with McGregor -- and money fights are great -- but don't tell me that guy is a champion," Holloway added. "Explain to me how he's a champion when he's not doing champion fights."

"I'm in a champion mode right now. When it comes time for money fights, they'll be there, but right now I'm focused on building an era."