Coming in with all the hype the UFC could muster, Featherweight Conor McGregor (13-2) entered the Octagon for the second time at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen to face Max Holloway (7-2). Holloway’s 3-fight win streak ended as McGregor outclassed him in ever facet of the sport to win a unanimous decision.
McGregor used his diverse kicking game to throw Holloway off in round 1. With Max uncertain of his range, McGregor was able to land a couple quick combinations of straight punches. Hollway was able to land a couple shots of his own, but as McGregor was pulling out of distance. The action slowed down after that with each fighter only able to hit single strikes as the other moved out of distance. mcGregor did land the better of the blows before somersaulting into a takedown attempt to close out the round.
The beginning of round 2 looked a lot like the end of round 1. Holloway clearly struggled to deal with McGregor’s superior striking while the Irishman landed the better shots on the feet. Holloway landed a good counter as Conor came in, but McGregor went back to landing quick straight punches. Low Kick caught by McGregor led to an unexpected takedown and he finished the round in top position. Not the most exciting fight, but solid action.
Despite easily winning the striking battle in the first two rounds, McGregor opened up the third with a takedown. He passed Hollway’s guard quickly, but allowed the escape when he went for mount. Another takedown from Conor and this time he secured mount. Hollway bellied-down, but ate some big shots when McGregor took back control. Max finally got to his feet and backed McGregor off with a head kick. A final takedown for McGregor o win the decision.
Conor McGregor picked up the unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-26) over Max Holloway
In his post-fight speech, McGregor told Joe Rogan that he heard his knee pop in the second round.