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 renowned for his accomplishments in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has competed in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions, achieving the title of former UFC Featherweight Champion and the current UFC ‘BMF’ Champion. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Featherweights in MMA history, Holloway's current rankings reflect his continued presence at the top of the sport. As of late October 2024, he is ranked #5 in the UFC lightweight division, #2 in the featherweight division, and #12 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

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, losing to Dustin Poirier via submission in the first round.

May 25, 2013: Loss to Dennis Bermudez

On May 25, 2013, Max Holloway faced Dennis Bermudez at UFC 160 and lost via split decision, a result considered controversial by many media outlets.

August 17, 2013: Loss to Conor McGregor

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

November 8, 2017: Edgar Withdraws

On November 8, 2017, Frankie Edgar withdrew from his scheduled fight with Holloway due to injury and was replaced by José Aldo.

February 3, 2018: Holloway Pulled from Bout

On February 3, 2018, Max Holloway was forced to pull out of the bout against Frankie Edgar due to a leg injury.

April 7, 2018: Holloway Pulled from the Card

On April 6, 2018, Max Holloway was pulled from the card by New York State Athletic Commission doctors due to the severity of his short-notice weight cut, the bout continued with Al Iaquinta as a last minute replacement for Holloway.

July 7, 2018: Pulled from Fight

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

December 14, 2019: Loss to Volkanovski and Title Loss

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

2019: Interim Lightweight Title Fight

In 2019, Max Holloway moved up a weight class 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: Holloway Pulled from Fight

On June 17, 2021, it was reported that Max Holloway was forced to pull out of the fight with Yair Rodríguez due to injury.

July 2, 2022: Loss to Volkanovski

On July 2, 2022, Max Holloway faced Alexander Volkanovski for the third time at UFC 276 and lost the bout via unanimous decision.

October 26, 2024: UFC Featherweight Championship fight

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