LAS VEGAS – Max Holloway believes Saturday’s UFC 226 co-headliner against Brian Ortega is one of the biggest fights in featherweight history, and he plans on showing up big-time for it.

Holloway (19-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) will put his 145-pound title on the line for the second time when he meets Ortega (14-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in the anticipated bout. The excitement for the matchup is palpable throughout the MMA community, and “Blessed” feels it, as well.

“They say 4th of July was today,” Holloway told reporters, including MMAjunkie, at UFC 226 open workouts. “The fireworks are going to happen Saturday night. It’s going to be crazy. I get to be alongside history on this history-making event with my man ‘DC.’ I can’t wait.”

UFC 226 takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Holloway vs. Ortega is the co-headliner of the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

One of the reasons for the hype around Holloway vs. Ortega is the success of both fighters. Holloway, 26, is riding a 12-fight winning streak inside the octagon, while Ortega, 27, is unbeaten over his 15-fight career. Both men are among the best finishers at 145 pound and still have youth on their side.

Moreover, Holloway and Ortega were just recognized for their recent accomplishments. Holloway was named the 2017 “Fighter of the Year” at the World MMA Awards on Tuesday night, while Ortega picked up hardware for “Breakthrough Fighter of the Year.”

Holloway said those awards only help elevate the matchup but acknowledged a clear distinction between the two.

“It should be huge,” Holloway said. “This guy’s always one step behind me, so it should be fun.”

For more on UFC 226, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.