Waianae’s Max Holloway Victorious in Historic UFC 329 Main Event

LAS VEGAS — It wasn’t the ending anyone expected, least of all Max Holloway.

Holloway’s long-awaited rematch with Conor McGregor took an unexpected turn almost immediately, as the Waiʻanae native was awarded a first-round TKO victory after McGregor suffered an injury just 1:09 into the opening round.

There was no bigger stage for Holloway. UFC 329 packed 20,076 fans into a sold-out T-Mobile Arena and produced a record $26.4 million gate, the largest in UFC history. With months of anticipation surrounding McGregor’s return, the atmosphere was electric before the main event came to a stunning and unexpected end.

The fight ended almost as quickly as it began.

McGregor opened the bout by throwing a jumping scissor kick, but immediately appeared to injure his knee upon landing. The former two-division champion stumbled to the canvas twice as Holloway cautiously approached, even asking referee Mike Beltran to consider stopping the contest rather than allowing unnecessary damage to continue.

“I was trying to tell the ref sooner,” Holloway explained afterward. “This guy’s kids are front row. I don’t want to see him take unnecessary damage.”

McGregor attempted to continue, urging Holloway to keep fighting, but after standing back up he took another awkward step before grabbing his leg. Beltran quickly stepped in to wave off the bout.

“I ain’t trying to beat up a wounded dog,” Holloway said. “He’s trying to change his life around. Sending prayers his way.”

The ending was far from satisfying for Holloway, who admitted he wanted to test himself against the version of McGregor that had promised a dominant return after nearly five years away from the Octagon.

“I wanted to feel this different Conor that he’s talking about,” Holloway said. “I wanted to see that.”

Following the event, McGregor posted on social media that the injury came as a complete surprise – “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed.”

While the fight itself lasted barely over a minute, Holloway made sure Hawaiʻi was represented throughout one of the biggest nights of his career.

Before making his walk to the Octagon, Holloway, his wife Alessa and son Rush arrived at T-Mobile Arena in custom Hawaiian-inspired attire designed by Rocket Ahuna. The red-and-yellow garments represented Hawaiian royalty and were inspired by the traditional ʻahuʻula, or feather cape, worn by Hawaiian chiefs.

“I wanted to come walking in like a Hawaiian chief,” Holloway said.

When it was fight time, Holloway made his customary walk to the Octagon to “Hawaiian Kickboxer” by Moke Boy, but this time added another powerful tribute by incorporating Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s “Hawaiʻi ’78′” into his entrance for the first time.

“I’ve been thinking about it forever,” Holloway said. “When the Conor McGregor fight came up, I knew it had to be a special occasion. We know he always shouts out his country, so I had to do one the right way. It had to be ‘Hawaiʻi ’78.'”

Representing Hawaiʻi was one goal accomplished. Now, Holloway says it’s time to focus on family.

After fighting twice in just five months, the former featherweight champion plans to spend time with his family before returning to the Octagon in 2027.

“I owe my family some time,” Holloway said. “I owe my wife and my son some family time.”

As for what comes next, Holloway said he’d welcome another shot at UFC lightweight gold. He also reiterated his interest in eventually becoming a two-division champion.

“I know Dana said he has three options for me,” Holloway said. “I’m excited to hear what those are.”

UFC President Dana White declined to speculate on Holloway’s next opponent immediately after the event, saying he preferred to wait until the promotion’s matchmaking meetings later this week.

One possibility could be a rematch with newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, though White made it clear no decisions have been made.

For now, Holloway leaves Las Vegas with another marquee victory, even if it wasn’t the way he envisioned it.

The performance may not have produced the fireworks fans anticipated, but it once again showcased the respect, humility and sportsmanship that has made “Blessed” one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC.