Max Holloway
Vitals
The Read
Max Holloway is a former undisputed featherweight champion and one of the most prolific strikers the sport has seen — 6.91 significant strikes a minute, a granite chin and a forward-marching pace that breaks opponents over five rounds. The 'Blessed Express' has wins over Brian Ortega, the Korean Zombie and a famous last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje for the BMF belt at UFC 300.
He arrives off a mixed run: a BMF title defense over Dustin Poirier, but also the first knockout loss of his career to Ilia Topuria and a one-sided grappling loss to Charles Oliveira that cost him the BMF belt in March 2026. UFC 329 is his welterweight debut — moving up from lightweight to 170 pounds — and the open question is whether his trademark volume and durability carry up against McGregor's single-shot power.
Next Fight
Record
Tap any fight for the breakdown.
Loss
vs Charles OliveiraDecision (unanimous) · R5
UFC 326
7 Mar 2026
7 Mar 2026
Holloway's BMF reign ended on the mat. Oliveira scored takedowns in all five rounds and controlled the grappling for a clean sweep on the cards (50–45 across the board), taking the ceremonial belt in a low-output fight.
Key moments
- BMF title fight — Oliveira took the belt from Holloway.
- Oliveira secured takedowns in all five rounds.
- Scored 50–45 on all three judges’ cards.
- Ended Holloway’s BMF reign.
Win
vs Dustin PoirierDecision (unanimous) · R5
UFC 318
19 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
A BMF title defense and the trilogy-capper against a retiring Poirier in his home state of Louisiana. Holloway edged a competitive, mostly stand-up war on the cards to close the series and spoil Poirier's farewell.
Key moments
- Successful BMF title defense.
- Closed the Poirier trilogy with his first win in the series.
- Spoiled Poirier’s retirement fight in Louisiana.
- Decision win in a high-volume striking battle.
Loss
vs Ilia TopuriaKO (punches) · R3
UFC 308
26 Oct 2024
26 Oct 2024
Challenging for the featherweight title, Holloway was knocked out for the first time in his career. Topuria dropped him with a left hook and finished with hammerfists at 1:34 of round three to retain the belt.
Key moments
- First knockout loss of Holloway’s 12-year UFC career.
- Topuria dropped him with a left hook, then finished on the ground.
- Topuria retained the featherweight title.
- Stoppage at 1:34 of round three.
Win
vs Justin GaethjeKO (punch) · R5
UFC 300
13 Apr 2024
13 Apr 2024
The defining moment of UFC 300. Holloway pointed to the centre of the Octagon and dared Gaethje to trade in the final seconds, then landed a right hand with roughly one second left to win the BMF title by spectacular last-instant knockout.
Key moments
- Won the BMF title by KO with about one second left in round five.
- Pointed to the canvas and invited Gaethje to brawl before the finish.
- Stoppage at 4:59 of the fifth round.
- Earned a reported $600,000 performance bonus.
Win
vs Chan Sung JungKO (punch) · R3
UFC Singapore
26 Aug 2023
26 Aug 2023
Headlining in Singapore against the retiring 'Korean Zombie,' Holloway weathered an early scare before his volume took over, closing the show with a right hook just 23 seconds into round three.
Key moments
- KO 23 seconds into round three.
- Jung wobbled Holloway early before the tide turned.
- Sent the Korean Zombie into retirement.