Indeed, all the pressure was on McGregor to prove the lengthy respite, devastating leg injury, and countless distractions were firmly in the rear-view mirror. For Holloway, it was a chance to avenge the most high-profile loss of his legendary career, while establishing himself as a legitimate threat at 170 pounds.
In the end, fight fans were treated to an unfortunate dud that didn’t really offer any answers to anything, except maybe that McGregor’s competitive fight days are officially over.
It was a surreal scene watching Mohawk McGregor make his patented walk to the Octagon to the dulcet tones of Biggie Smalls, smoke wafting around him as he strutted into the eight-walled cage. And, yes, Holloway was already waiting for him, watching the Irish sports star whip the “Sin City” crowd into a wild lather. The referee in charge of the action was none other than Mike Beltran.
McGregor came out early trying to throw a jumping kick, but landed awkwardly … then he did it again. Max merely stepped to the side and began to hit him with some shots as McGregor was on his back. McGregor got up, then once again just fell down, confusing Holloway thoroughly. Both fighters looked at the referee, and then just like that, the fight was waived off. Indeed, McGregor sustained a knee injury on the first kick and was unable to recover.
Deja vu all over again (sorta).
Final result: Holloway def. McGregor via technical knockout (knee injury) in round one