​LAS VEGAS — Just over two years ago, Max Holloway rolled into Las Vegas and delivered one of the most iconic performances in UFC history against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. You probably recall Holloway, already dominating on the scorecards and radiating confidence, signaling the ground with the precision of a matador waving a red cape with 10 seconds to go. Seizing the moment, Gaethje gritted his teeth on the mouthpiece, and Holloway finished him with a finishing flurry in the final second. The city went wild, not only because Holloway gave real meaning to the UFC’s ceremonial BMF title, but because he did it with the swagger of an original gangster.
Yet Sin City, which Holloway affectionately calls the Ninth Island, seems ready for a new scene. When Holloway entered Thursday’s UFC 329 press conference, he was met with relentless boos inside T-Mobile Arena. Yes, he’s stepping in to fight Conor McGregor, a matchup that feels like Mercury racing toward the sun, but you’d think Holloway—a cult figure in the sport—would receive a warmer welcome, especially in Las Vegas.
And Holloway didn’t seem to mind the reception. This week, he hasn’t taken offense to much, even when McGregor claimed he would retire Holloway on fight night. If Holloway embodies the BMF persona, he also embodies the easygoing Hawaiian who refuses to swirl in pre-fight drama. When McGregor described Holloway’s boxing as “abysmal,” Holloway retorted that McGregor’s boxing is simply “bysmal,” noting that in the 13 years since their first meeting, Holloway hasn’t gathered any unnecessary f—s to give.
That is precisely why you’ve got to love Max Holloway. It’s his consistency, the way he’s remained the same person throughout the ride—the same kid from Hawaii who showed up in Boston in 2013 when the lights went on and McGregor’s rise began. In their first encounter, McGregor was the dazzling sensation, while Holloway’s role was largely incidental to his opponent’s meteoric ascent. Back then, Holloway was 21, and his résumé was defined by a growing potential rather than tangible accolades. He couldn’t talk much because he hadn’t yet proven himself in the big moments.
Fast forward 13 years, and Holloway has exceeded even his own expectations. He’s become the UFC featherweight champion with three successful defenses—three more defenses than McGregor had as the 145-pound champ at the same stage. Holloway has landed a staggering 445 significant strikes, a testament to his volume and precision, including memorable performances on national platforms like ABC. And he still proclaims, with the same warmth and confidence, that he’s the best boxer in the UFC, a title earned through consistency, dedication, and a refusal to be rattled by the noise around him.