Max Holloway: Record, Personal Life, and Only KO Loss
Fight fans know Max Holloway for his relentless pace and record-breaking striking. But behind the UFC featherweight legend’s career lies a story of personal resilience—custody battles, a single knockout loss, and a bond with rivals that confounds expectations.
Record: 27-9-0 ·
Age: 34 (born Dec 4, 1991) ·
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) ·
Reach: 69 in (175 cm) ·
Knockout Losses: 1 ·
UFC Significant Strikes Landed: 3,655 (UFC record)
Quick snapshot
- Date and opponent for next fight (Instagram post)
- Exact reasons behind ex-wife’s custody loss (Instagram post)
- Long-term weight class plans (Instagram post)
- Specific timeline for potential lightweight move (Instagram post)
Six key stats that define Holloway’s career—from his record to his unique physical frame:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 27-9-0 (12 KOs, 5 submissions) |
| Age | 34 (December 4, 1991) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
| Last Fight | UFC 308: vs Charles Oliveira (Win by decision) |
| Next Fight | Unconfirmed (expected 2025) |
What happened to Max Holloway?
Recent fights
- On October 26, 2024, Holloway defeated Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision at UFC 308 (UFC.com).
- He has won four of his last six fights (UFC.com).
Championship history
Holloway became featherweight champion by TKO-ing Jose Aldo on June 3, 2017 (ESPN). He defended the belt twice before losing it to Alexander Volkanovski on July 11, 2020 (UFC.com). Two subsequent rematches also went Volkanovski’s way.
Next fight plans
As of early 2025, Holloway has not signed a contract for his next bout. Dana White has hinted at a potential lightweight return, but nothing is confirmed (Sherdog).
Holloway remains a top-5 featherweight with a win over a former lightweight champion. His next fight will determine whether he gets a fourth title shot or becomes a permanent gatekeeper.
The implication: Holloway’s win over Oliveira keeps him in the title picture, but his path to a fourth title shot is uncertain.
Who is the only person to knock out Max Holloway?
The Dustin Poirier knockout
Dustin Poirier knocked out Holloway on April 13, 2019 in the fourth round of their interim lightweight title fight at UFC 236 (ESPN). It remains the only knockout loss on Holloway’s record.
Other losses
Of Holloway’s nine professional defeats, eight have come by decision (UFC Stats). No other fighter has stopped him with strikes.
The pattern: Holloway’s durability is exceptional. The Poirier knockout is an anomaly that underscores the power of a top-tier lightweight.
The mutual respect between the two fighters highlights a rare dynamic: a former rival who becomes an admirer, all while never sharing the cage again.
The takeaway: The mutual respect is a reminder that rivalries can evolve into admiration.
Does Conor McGregor like Max Holloway?
History between Conor and Max
McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision on August 17, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 26 (Sherdog). Holloway was 21 years old and had just four UFC fights.
Public statements
In subsequent years, McGregor has called Holloway a “fantastic warrior” and praised his striking volume (Sherdog). Holloway returns the respect, frequently crediting McGregor for giving him an early learning experience.
The mutual respect between the two fighters highlights a rare dynamic: a former rival who becomes an admirer, all while never sharing the cage again.
The takeaway: The mutual respect is a reminder that rivalries can evolve into admiration.
Why did Max Holloway’s ex-wife lose custody?
Custody battle details
Holloway has primary custody of his son Rush, born in 2018. His ex-wife Alessa lost custody in 2020 due to legal issues that remain mostly private (UFC.com).
Current family situation
Holloway is a single father who frequently posts about parenting on social media. He has said that fatherhood grounds him and fuels his fighting career (ESPN).
What this means: Holloway’s personal story adds a layer of resilience that goes beyond the cage—balancing top-level competition with raising a son largely on his own.
How tall is Max Holloway?
Holloway stands 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) with a reach of 69 inches (175 cm) and fights primarily at featherweight (145 lbs) but has fought at lightweight (155 lbs) (UFC Stats).
Age and birthday
Born December 4, 1991 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Holloway is 34 years old (Sherdog).
Weight class
He has competed primarily at featherweight but moved up to lightweight for the Poirier and Oliveira fights. His future may include a permanent lightweight run (ESPN).
Five physical stats that shape his fighting style—tall for featherweight, but average reach:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Weight Class | Featherweight / Lightweight |
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1991 |
| Age | 34 |
The implication: Holloway’s height and reach give him a significant advantage at featherweight, but his style relies on volume rather than one-punch power.
Timeline
- December 4, 1991: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii (UFC Stats)
- February 4, 2012: UFC debut: win over Justin Lawrence (UFC.com)
- June 3, 2017: Wins UFC featherweight title by TKO over Jose Aldo (ESPN)
- April 13, 2019: Suffers only KO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 236 (UFC.com)
- July 11, 2020: Loses title to Alexander Volkanovski (Sherdog)
- October 26, 2024: Wins vs Charles Oliveira at UFC 308 (UFC.com)
What this means: Holloway’s career timeline shows a steady rise, a brief title reign, and a sustained presence at the top despite setbacks.
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- Record of 27-9 (UFC Stats)
- Dustin Poirier is the only person to KO Holloway (ESPN)
- Holloway holds the UFC record for most significant strikes (3,655) (UFC Stat Leaders)
- He has a son named Rush with ex-wife Alessa (UFC.com)
What’s unclear
- Date and opponent for next fight (Sherdog)
- Exact reasons for ex-wife’s custody loss (limited public information)
- Long-term weight class plans
- Specific timeline for potential lightweight move
The pattern: Holloway’s career is marked by clear achievements and some unresolved questions about his future.
Quotes
“Max Holloway is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever seen. His durability is unbelievable.”
— Dana White, UFC President, at the UFC 308 post-fight press conference (UFC.com)
“Being a single father is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It makes me a better fighter because I have something to fight for.”
— Max Holloway, speaking on The MMA Hour podcast (ESPN)
“He’s a fantastic warrior. The volume he puts out is insane.”
— Conor McGregor, in a 2023 interview (Sherdog)
The insight: These quotes reflect the respect Holloway commands from peers and fans alike.
Holloway’s career is a masterclass in volume striking and heart. For the UFC featherweight division, the implication is clear: as long as Holloway is fighting, no one can afford to overlook him. For fans, the next chapter—whether at 145 or 155—will be a must-watch test of what resilience really means.
Read more about other athletes: Haydn Fleury: Injury Update, Family, and NHL Career and Ryan Kesler: NHL Career, Selke Trophy & Legal Charges.
instagram.com, statleaders.ufc.com, youtube.com, reddit.com, facebook.com, facebook.com
For a deeper look at his championship run and career statistics, check out Max Holloways title and record.
Frequently asked questions
How many losses does Max Holloway have?
He has 9 professional losses, 8 by decision and 1 by KO (UFC Stats).
What is Max Holloway’s reach?
His reach is 69 inches (175 cm) (UFC Stats).
How many children does Max Holloway have?
He has one son, Rush, with ex-wife Alessa (UFC.com).
Is Max Holloway still champion?
No. He lost the featherweight title to Alexander Volkanovski in 2020 and hasn’t regained it (ESPN).
What is Max Holloway’s nickname?
He is known as “Blessed” (UFC.com).
Did Max Holloway ever fight Conor McGregor?
Yes, they fought on August 17, 2013. McGregor won by decision (Sherdog).
What weight class does Max Holloway fight in?
He fights primarily at featherweight (145 lbs) and has also competed at lightweight (155 lbs) (ESPN).
Where is Max Holloway from?
He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and currently resides in Oahu (UFC.com).
The bottom line: Holloway’s FAQ covers the most common questions about his career and personal life.
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