The day Conor McGregor stopped Max Holloway: The victory that launched his UFC legend

Conor McGregor and Max Holloway need no introduction. Between them, they possess championships, records, and some of the most memorable moments the UFC has seen over the last decade. However, there was a time when both were merely young prospects with the ambition to carve their path in the premier promotion of mixed martial arts.

That chapter was written nearly 13 years ago. On August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 26 held at Boston’s TD Garden, a 25-year-old Irishman faced a promising 21-year-old Hawaiian fighter. Few could have imagined that this bout would feature two future champions.

The Night ‘The Notorious’ Was Born

McGregor dominated the fight from the start with the style that would later turn him into a global superstar. His striking precision made the difference from the opening round, though the turning point came in the second. A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee forced the Irishman to completely alter his strategy.

Far from being limited, he leaned on his wrestling and jiu-jitsu to control Holloway for the remainder of the bout. Against all odds, a fighter known primarily for his knockout power displayed a completely different facet of his game, dominating on the canvas with takedowns, transitions, and absolute control.

The judges’ scorecards reflected that dominance with a unanimous decision of 30–27, 30–27, and 30–26. Furthermore, McGregor outlanded Holloway 71 to 32 in total strikes, held a 53–23 advantage in significant strikes, and completed four takedowns, while the Hawaiian failed to land a single one.

Two Paths to Greatness

That victory definitively launched McGregor’s career into overdrive. Although the knee injury sidelined him for nearly a year, the win proved he was far more than just an explosive striker. He would later capture the featherweight and lightweight titles, becoming the first simultaneous double-champion in UFC history.

Holloway, meanwhile, used that defeat as fuel. The Hawaiian subsequently went on a historic 14-fight winning streak at 145 pounds, captured the world championship, and ultimately cemented his legacy as one of the greatest featherweights of all time.

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