Former UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten believes Conor McGregor must face Max Holloway in a rematch after the latter's meteoric rise since his last defeat.

Holloway most recently defended his featherweight title in a rematch against Jose Aldo at UFC 218 in Detroit on 2 December.

Read more UFC 219: Edson Barboza labels Tony Ferguson, not Conor McGregor, as the real lightweight champion

Defeating the Brazilian for the second time in the space of six months, "Blessed" extended his impressive winning streak to 12 straight wins — with just four fighters in UFC history having a longer run.

Having last suffered defeat to McGregor via unanimous decision all the way back in August 2013, a rematch between the two has long been campaigned for by the fans and media.

Holloway himself has repeatedly stated that he would be open to a rematch if a fight was offered, recently claiming that it hinged on the Irishman's camp.

"If the UFC call me out for that reason, any reason for fighting him [McGregor], I'll gladly fight him," Holloway said following his win over Aldo.

"If the Conor fight don't happen, it's not on my side. I'll tell you guys right now. It's not on my side. It's on their team."

Rutten believes the manner in which Holloway has improved since his loss to McGregor means a rematch has to happen with the interest involved, but only after a lightweight title unification fight.

McGregor was expected to unify the belts against interim champion Tony Ferguson, but there has been no real update in recent weeks on whether the fight will happen or not.

"First of all, (he needs to fight) the interim champion," Rutten told Express Sport. "He needs to defend his title, it's got to start there.

"I think Max Holloway is a fight that he needs to fight as well... if he still wants to fight it."

McGregor hinted at a rematch with the Hawaiian on Twitter but nothing concrete has developed since, with Holloway retorting back.

I miss those sunglasses. pic.twitter.com/0fa7U9dM4Y — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 3, 2017