Challenges in the Life of Max Holloway in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Max Holloway faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Jerome Max Keli'i Holloway is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. A former UFC Featherweight Champion and current 'BMF' Champion, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in history. As of July 1, 2025, he is highly ranked in the UFC featherweight, lightweight, and pound-for-pound rankings, solidifying his status as an elite fighter.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

February 4, 2012: UFC Debut

On February 4, 2012, Max Holloway made his UFC debut at UFC 143 as an injury replacement, facing Dustin Poirier and losing via submission in the first round.

May 25, 2013: Lost to Dennis Bermudez

On May 25, 2013, Max Holloway faced Dennis Bermudez at UFC 160 and lost via a controversial split decision.

August 17, 2013: Lost to Conor McGregor

On August 17, 2013, Max Holloway faced Conor McGregor at UFC Fight Night 26 and lost via unanimous decision.

2014: Separation from Kaimana Pa'aluhi

In 2014, Max Holloway separated from his wife, Kaimana Pa'aluhi.

November 8, 2017: Frankie Edgar Withdraws from UFC 218

On November 8, 2017, Frankie Edgar withdrew from his scheduled fight against Max Holloway at UFC 218 due to injury.

2017: Divorce from Kaimana Pa'aluhi

In 2017, Max Holloway divorced Kaimana Pa'aluhi.

February 3, 2018: Pulled Out of UFC 222

On February 3, 2018, Max Holloway was forced to pull out of his scheduled fight against Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 due to a leg injury.

April 1, 2018: Accepted Short Notice Fight

On April 1, 2018, Max Holloway was announced as a late replacement for the injured Tony Ferguson to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the vacant undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 223.

April 7, 2018: Pulled from UFC 223

On April 7, 2018, at UFC 223, Max Holloway was pulled from the card by doctors due to a severe weight cut.

July 7, 2018: Pulled from UFC 226

On July 7, 2018, Max Holloway was scheduled to defend his title against Brian Ortega at UFC 226, but on July 4, Holloway was pulled from the fight due to "concussion like symptoms".

December 14, 2019: Lost Featherweight Title to Alexander Volkanovski

On December 14, 2019, at UFC 245, Max Holloway faced Alexander Volkanovski and lost the fight via unanimous decision, losing his featherweight title.

2019: Interim UFC Lightweight Championship Fight

In 2019, Max Holloway moved up to lightweight to face Dustin Poirier in a rematch for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship, losing by unanimous decision but earning the Fight of the Night award.

June 17, 2021: Pulled out of Fight

On June 17, 2021, Max Holloway was forced to pull out of his scheduled fight with Yair Rodríguez due to injury.

March 5, 2022: Pulled From Event Due to Injury

On March 5, 2022, Max Holloway was originally scheduled to face Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 272. However, a day after the fight announcement, Holloway was forced to pull from the event due to injury.

July 2, 2022: Lost to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 276

On July 2, 2022, Max Holloway faced Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 276 in a trilogy bout, losing via unanimous decision.

October 26, 2024: Holloway vs Topuria at UFC 308

On October 26, 2024, Holloway faced champion Ilia Topuria for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 308. He lost the fight by knockout in the third round, marking the first knockout loss of his career.