Max Holloway noticed something wrong with Conor McGregor before fight started
"Even with him walking into the octagon, it didn't seem, you know, it just didn't seem like the same Connor, you know, like I thought is the it was he was stood there to fight, but like I thought he'd be a little bit more rowdy, a little bit more crazy. He looked like really really calm, like super calm."
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.
Key takeaways
- Max Holloway revealed Conor McGregor demanded to keep fighting while injured on the ground, saying 'Fight, fight' during ground strikes before the referee stopped the bout
- Holloway stated he asked the referee to stop the fight early because McGregor's children were sitting front row and he didn't want them seeing unnecessary damage
- Holloway observed McGregor appeared unusually calm during his octagon entrance, lacking typical rowdy behavior, fueling speculation about a possible pre-existing injury
- Despite the controversial ending, Holloway expressed interest in a trilogy fight at welterweight, saying he wants to experience the '170 domain' McGregor discussed
- Holloway announced he will take the remainder of 2026 off for family time after fighting twice in quick succession, planning to return in 2027
- The Hawaiian fighter discussed potential matchups including Islam Makachev at lightweight and a rematch with Justin Gaethje at welterweight
- Holloway announced his first annual golf tournament for the Holloway Foundation benefiting Westside Striking gym and Waianae Boys and Girls Club scheduled for July 20th