Predictions

‘He screamed!’… Max Holloway recaps hilarious moment in Conor McGregor fight ahead of Ilia Topuria showdown

Admin 4 days ago

33 1 minute read

Max Holloway moves back down to featherweight this Saturday and takes on formidable champion Ilia Tuburia in an attempt to reclaim his old belt.

The 32-year-old looks to continue a blossoming purple patch of his career after a methodical fifth-round stoppage against Justin Gaethji.

His comprehensive victory at UFC 300 saw him claim the BMF title at lightweight, a division that has given the American a plethora of world-class opponents to contend with.

But for now, Max Holloway will no doubt be eager to regain the title he lost to MMA legend Alexander Volkanovski in 2019.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Max Holloway reflects on Conor McGregor's fight ahead of UFC 308

UFC icon Conor McGregor joined Holloway in 2013, before the Irishman catapulted himself to superstardom.

Despite his lack of experience, McGregor was largely able to dominate the match, landing more than double the number of punches his opponent came through.

Additionally, the polarizing star was successful with four of his five takedown attempts before claiming a unanimous decision in five rounds.

And yet, although he ultimately suffered defeat, Holloway remembers McGregor's fight more for a humorous interaction that took place while he had his opponent in half guard.

“He hurt his knee [in the fight]and he screamed… [It was] like a hurtful scream,” Holloway told Crashmma.

“I lay on the bottom and held him and said, 'Are you okay?' He said, 'Yeah, keep fighting mate; keep fighting. ''

How Max Holloway's UFC career has evolved since his defeat to Conor McGregor

Shortly after losing to McGregor over a decade ago, Holloway put together an incredible nine-fight winning streak before stopping Anthony Pettis for the UFC featherweight title in 2016.

The American went on to defend his trinket three times – beating Jose Aldo twice – before being knocked out by Dustin Poirier in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 236.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

However, Holloway remained undeterred as he won the title back, only to lose it again to none other than Volkanovski.

However, the seasoned operator is now back on track after a sensational victory over Gaethji, giving him plenty of confidence for UFC 308.