Max Holloway became the undisputed UFC featherweight champion in June 2017.
‘Blessed’ picked up an interim title during a sensational 10-fight winning run at 145lbs.
It was enough to earn him a shot at the greatest featherweight of all time, Jose Aldo.
‘Scarface’ brilliantly bounced back from a 13-second knockout loss against Conor McGregor by beating Frankie Edgar before his second reign as champion was quickly ended by Max Holloway at UFC 212.
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Watch Max Holloway KO Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo‘s performance in the first round suggested he was back at the top of his game.
The Brazilian legend seemed to hurt his opponent twice during the opening five minutes of their fight.
Max Holloway managed to avoid taking too much damage before turning up the heat in round two.
The Hawaiian, who is known for his ridiculous output, quickly worked himself into a dominant position.
After 10 minutes, Aldo had a nasty-looking hematoma swelling on the left side of his head.
Holloway ramped things up even more in round three, and Aldo simply couldn’t keep up.
A straight punch dropped him to the floor before Holloway swarmed with ground strikes.
Aldo was given lots of time to work his way back into the fight, but the referee eventually stepped in.
“I’ve been telling you guys this is the ‘Blessed’ era,” Holloway said after a career-best win.
What’s next for Max Holloway?
Jose Aldo recently retired following a controversial decision defeat to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315.
Meanwhile, Max Holloway is preparing to face Dustin Poirier, who is also planning to quit MMA.
‘The Diamond’ hopes to walk away from fighting with the BMF belt currently owned by Holloway.
‘It will be up for grabs when they complete their trilogy at UFC 318 in New Orleans on July 19.
Poirier almost snapped Holloway’s arm when they first fought as young prospects in 2012.
The former interim lightweight champion went 2-0 against Holloway when they rematched seven years later.
Poirier was given a much tougher fighter, but he still walked away with a decision win at UFC 236 in 2019.
Repeat or revenge? UFC fans will find out when they clash for the third and final time this summer.