Max Holloway reveals Conor McGregor told him to fight while injured on ground

About this episode

Max Holloway held a post-fight press conference following his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC International Fight Week at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight ended controversially when McGregor suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury on his first kick attempt. Holloway revealed striking details about the stoppage, disclosing that McGregor was demanding to continue fighting even while taking ground strikes and visibly injured, saying 'Fight, fight' to Holloway. The Hawaiian fighter also stated he actively asked the referee to stop the fight because McGregor's children were sitting front row and he didn't want them to see their father take unnecessary damage. Holloway noted that McGregor appeared unusually calm during his walkout, lacking his typical rowdy demeanor, which has fueled speculation about a possible pre-existing injury. Despite the anticlimactic ending, Holloway expressed interest in a trilogy fight, saying he wants to experience 'this 170 domain' McGregor had been talking about, though he plans to take the remainder of 2026 off to spend time with his family. The fighter also discussed other potential matchups, including a possible move up to challenge Islam Makachev at lightweight or a rematch with Justin Gaethje. Holloway emphasized his commitment to representing Hawaii, wearing traditional red and yellow royal colors and walking out to 'Hawaii 78.' He announced his first annual golf tournament for the Holloway Foundation supporting Westside Striking gym and Waianae Boys and Girls Club. Throughout the press conference, Holloway balanced fight promotion with genuine concern for McGregor's wellbeing, repeatedly expressing hope for a speedy recovery while acknowledging McGregor's warrior mentality for fighting despite apparent injury.