Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor First Fight: What Happened in Their 2013 UFC Bout?

Summary

Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor is one of the most interesting rematches on the UFC 329 card because the two fighters already met once before. Their first fight took place on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs Sonnen. Conor McGregor defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision.

At the time, neither fighter was the global name he would later become. McGregor was still early in his UFC run, while Holloway was a young prospect building experience inside the Octagon. The result became more important over time because both fighters later turned into major figures in UFC history.

Now, more than a decade later, the UFC 329 rematch gives Holloway a chance to avenge an early-career loss and gives McGregor a chance to prove he can still beat an elite version of Holloway.

Fans can join the current UFC 329 prediction event here: Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor Prediction Event on MEXC.

When Was the First Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor Fight?

The first Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor fight happened on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs Sonnen.

The official UFC full fight page lists the matchup as Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs Sonnen on August 17, 2013. The fight took place long before either man reached the peak of his fame.

McGregor won by unanimous decision. At the time, it was an important step in his rise through the UFC featherweight division. For Holloway, it became one of the early losses that shaped his development into a more complete fighter.

The first fight is now essential background for UFC 329 because fans are not only watching two famous names. They are watching a rematch with history, contrast and unfinished business.

Who Was Max Holloway in 2013?

In 2013, Max Holloway was still developing his identity as a UFC fighter.

He was talented, young and active, but he was not yet the fully formed version of “Blessed” that fans know today. Holloway later became famous for his high-volume striking, cardio, toughness and ability to build pressure across five rounds.

That makes the first McGregor fight difficult to use as a direct prediction for UFC 329. The Holloway who fought McGregor in 2013 was not the same fighter who later became a former UFC featherweight champion and one of the most durable strikers in the sport.

The rematch is interesting because Holloway has had years to evolve. He has improved his boxing layers, defensive awareness, pace control and five-round experience. UFC 329 gives him a chance to show how much the matchup has changed.

Who Was Conor McGregor in 2013?

In 2013, Conor McGregor was an exciting new name in the UFC.

He had already attracted attention for his confidence, striking style and personality, but he had not yet become the global superstar he is today. The Holloway fight was part of his early rise through the featherweight division.

McGregor’s win over Holloway helped build his reputation as a dangerous striker with strong distance control and sharp timing. Even before he became a two-division UFC champion, McGregor showed the traits that later made him famous: confidence, precision and the ability to manage striking exchanges on his terms.

Looking back, the fight is important because it captured both fighters before their careers exploded. McGregor was already dangerous, but he had not yet become “The Notorious” as the world would later know him.

How Did McGregor Beat Holloway in the First Fight?

McGregor beat Holloway by controlling the striking range, managing distance and winning enough exchanges to take the judges’ decision.

The first fight did not end with a knockout or submission. It was a decision win, which matters when analyzing the rematch. McGregor did not simply catch Holloway with one punch. He beat him across multiple rounds by staying composed and controlling the fight.

The official UFC replay of the first fight gives fans a useful look at McGregor’s early style. He used stance, movement and timing to make Holloway react. Holloway had moments, but McGregor was cleaner and more effective over the course of the bout.

The fight also showed McGregor’s ability to adjust under pressure. That remains relevant for UFC 329 because he may need more than early power if Holloway pushes a fast pace in the rematch.

Why the 2013 Result Does Not Tell the Whole Story

The 2013 result matters, but it does not fully predict what will happen at UFC 329.

More than a decade has passed since the first fight. Holloway became a much more complete fighter after that loss. He learned how to manage longer fights, increase volume without losing composure and pressure elite opponents without getting reckless.

McGregor also changed. He became one of the biggest stars in combat sports, won titles in multiple divisions and developed a career built around major moments. But he also spent long periods away from active UFC competition, which creates questions about timing, cardio and rhythm.

This is why the rematch is not simply “McGregor beat him before, so he will beat him again.” The better question is whether McGregor’s precision can still overcome Holloway’s updated pace, toughness and experience.

How Max Holloway Changed After the First Fight

Max Holloway changed dramatically after his first fight with Conor McGregor.

He became one of the most respected pressure strikers in UFC history. His style grew around volume, combinations, durability and confidence. Rather than relying on one-shot power, Holloway learned how to drown opponents in activity.

His UFC Stats profile shows why fans associate him with output and long-fight effectiveness. Holloway’s average fight time and striking numbers reflect a fighter who is comfortable working over extended rounds.

That evolution is the biggest reason UFC 329 feels different from the first meeting. Holloway is no longer just a young prospect trying to find his way. He is an experienced elite fighter who understands how to build pressure round by round.

If Holloway wins the rematch, it will likely be because the 2026 version of his game is too active, too durable and too consistent for McGregor to manage over time.

How Conor McGregor Changed After the First Fight

Conor McGregor also changed massively after beating Holloway in 2013.

He became one of the most famous fighters in the world. His rise included iconic knockouts, title wins and some of the biggest events in UFC history. His left hand, timing and promotional presence made him a defining figure in modern MMA.

McGregor’s UFC profile highlights his status as a former champion and one of the sport’s most recognizable athletes. His career has always been about more than technique. It is about pressure, attention and the ability to create big moments.

However, UFC 329 also brings uncertainty. McGregor has not been as active as Holloway in recent years. MMA Fighting described the UFC 329 main event as McGregor’s return from a five-year layoff against Holloway.

That makes the rematch a test of both skill and timing. If McGregor still has the sharpness that defined his best years, he can be dangerous immediately. If the layoff has affected his reactions, Holloway may be able to take over.

Why the First Fight Still Matters for UFC 329

The first fight still matters because it gives McGregor psychological history in the matchup.

He already knows what it feels like to share the Octagon with Holloway. He already has a win over him. That can matter in the build-up, especially for a fighter as mentally confident as McGregor.

For Holloway, the first fight matters in a different way. It gives him a clear storyline: revenge. Holloway has beaten many elite opponents since 2013, but McGregor remains one of the early names he never got to run back until now.

The rematch also helps casual fans understand why UFC 329 is not just another comeback fight. It is a second chapter between two fighters whose careers moved in very different directions after their first meeting.

What Makes the UFC 329 Rematch Different?

The biggest difference is experience.

Holloway has far more championship-level and five-round experience than he had in 2013. He knows how to stay calm, build pressure and keep throwing even when the fight becomes difficult.

McGregor has more fame, more big-fight experience and more pressure around him than he had in 2013. Every McGregor fight becomes a major event, and UFC 329 is no different.

The second difference is weight and physical maturity. The first fight took place during their younger featherweight years. The UFC 329 prediction market on MEXC lists the rematch as a welterweight main card matchup, which means fans may see a different physical version of both fighters.

The third difference is timing. Holloway has stayed more active in elite competition, while McGregor’s return creates a major question: can a fighter return after years away and immediately handle Holloway’s pace?

Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor 2: Historical Prediction Angle

From a historical angle, McGregor has the advantage of the first win. He proved he could beat Holloway once.

From a current-form angle, Holloway may have the more stable case. He has stayed active, developed a deeper striking game and built a style that becomes more effective the longer a fight lasts.

That is why the rematch feels balanced despite McGregor’s first win. McGregor has the history. Holloway has the evolution.

If the fight is decided early, McGregor’s precision and power may be the key. If the fight becomes a long, high-output battle, Holloway’s pace and durability may become the deciding factors.

How to Join the Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor Prediction Event on MEXC

Fans who want to follow the UFC 329 rematch in a more interactive way can join the Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor prediction event on MEXC.

The event page is available here: Join the Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor UFC 329 Prediction Event.

Before participating, users should read the rules, understand the event format and make responsible decisions. This article is for sports analysis and fan discussion only. It is not financial advice, betting advice or a guaranteed prediction.

FAQ

Who won the first Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor fight?

Conor McGregor won the first Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor fight by unanimous decision.

When did Max Holloway and Conor McGregor first fight?

They first fought on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs Sonnen.

Where can fans watch the first Holloway vs McGregor fight?

Fans can watch the first fight through the official UFC full fight page.

Why is Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor 2 important?

The rematch is important because McGregor won the first fight in 2013, but Holloway became a much more complete fighter afterward. UFC 329 gives both fighters a chance to prove how much the matchup has changed.

Is the 2013 fight a good predictor for UFC 329?

It is useful background, but it is not a complete predictor. Both fighters have changed dramatically since 2013, especially Holloway, who became known for high-volume striking and five-round durability.

How has Max Holloway changed since the first fight?

Holloway has become more experienced, more durable and more effective at maintaining high striking volume over long fights.

How has Conor McGregor changed since the first fight?

McGregor became a global superstar and a former two-division UFC champion. However, UFC 329 also raises questions about his timing and activity after a long layoff.

Where can fans join the UFC 329 prediction event?

Fans can join the event here: Max Holloway VS Conor McGregor Prediction Event on MEXC.

Is this article betting advice?

No. This article is for sports analysis, SEO content and fan discussion only. It is not betting advice, financial advice or a guaranteed prediction.