It was the accidental fight that changed UFC history. 13 years later, things are very different

Thirteen years ago, the UFC was a very different place.

When Conor McGregor and Max Holloway first squared off in Boston, there was no BMF belt, no Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey, and certainly no Aussie bloke called Alex Volkanovski.

UFC 329: McGregor v Holloway 2 | SUN 12 JULY 11AM AEST | Conor McGregor is back. The Irish superstar takes on the always dangerous Max Holloway in a rematch 13 years in the making. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

McGregor hadn’t become the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champ. Holloway hadn’t gone on one of the greatest featherweight runs the sport has ever seen.

They weren’t even the original fight booked for that spot on the prelims – Holloway was the injury replacement for Andy Ogle.

They both had fewer tattoos and no idea what the next 13 years had in store.

The rematch this weekend in Las Vegas at UFC 329 may be the same on paper, but the fighters have changed massively.

McGREGOR’S RISE

If there was one fighter who looked destined for superstardom that night in Boston, it was ‘The Notorious’.

The Irishman – 25 at the time – arrived with a level of hype not seen for a UFC newcomer. The pair were fighting on the prelims at UFC Fight Night 26 and the promotion was already treating him differently.

Speaking to Fox Sports Australia this week, Holloway recalled one moment that stuck with him more than any other.

Before McGregor’s walk to the Octagon, the UFC gave him the famous “blackout” treatment, typically reserved for the biggest stars.

“They said, ‘Hold up 10 minutes, we’re going to play the live walkouts,’” Holloway said.

“Then he got the champion treatment, he got the blackout, and I was like, ‘Wow, that was pretty crazy.’”

Holloway became another name on McGregor’s record as the Irishman embarked on an incredible run in the sport.

Over the next four years, he knocked out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds to claim the featherweight title, became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two belts at the same time and transformed from a mouthy former Dublin plumber into the most recognised MMA fighter to ever breathe.

Then came the $30m boxing showdown with Floyd Mayweather, the payday that turned McGregor into a global sporting celebrity.

But after reaching the top of the mountain, the headlines changed.

There was the infamous bus attack in New York, legal troubles, sexual assault allegations and a career stalled by a busted leg.

Once celebrated as Ireland’s golden boy, McGregor is now a very polarising public figure in his own country.

HOLLOWAY’S ROAD

While McGregor’s career took off to the stratosphere and went in some unusual directions, Holloway’s path was very different.

The 21-year-old – who was the youngest fighter on the entire roster at the time – went on a 13-fight win streak, taking out the likes of Charles Oliveira and Anthony Pettis before claiming featherweight gold against Aldo.

He defended his belt three times before running into Alex Volkanovski – who beat him three times.

Even then, Holloway never disappeared.

He rebuilt himself once again, delivered one of the most incredible knockouts in UFC history to claim the BMF belt against Justin Gaethje and became one of the sport’s most respected figures.

“I’m just blessed,” he explained to Fox Sports Australia this week.

He’s also a father, a former world champion and one of the most experienced fighters on the UFC roster.

THE EVOLUTION

It’s not just their lives and careers that look different. Their fighting styles have also changed in big ways.

Back in 2013, McGregor was a much lighter fighter, bouncing in and out of range from a wide stance while relying on counterpunching and a range of kicks.

Over the years, that style has evolved. He’s become more planted, placed a greater emphasis on his boxing and looked more interested in generating power.

Recent training footage suggests that trend has continued, with the Irishman spending plenty of time working his hands.

But after almost five years away from competition, exactly what version of McGregor walks into the Octagon remains one of the biggest questions hanging over UFC 329.

“There’s a different thud when you fight against me,” McGregor said last week.

“I look forward to my improvements.”

READ MORE:

How Conor McGregor became ‘cousins’ with Wests Tigers cult hero Pat Richards

Whittaker reveals Aussie farewell dream, special plan for ‘kill or be killed’ test on Conor card

Holloway’s style has evolved too.

Back in 2013, he was a fearless youngster who relied on pressure, toughness and a granite chin.

Today, he’s an absolute cardio machine and one of the greatest volume strikers the UFC has ever seen, picking opponents apart with combinations and an great understanding of the game.

McGregor, however, insists Holloway hasn’t changed much at all – a claim the Hawaiian can’t quite believe.

“I think Conor said that I have not changed one bit, which is kind of crazy,” Holloway told Fox Sports Australia.

“But if he needs to tell himself that to make it to the fight, then so be it.

“If I didn’t change in that time, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”

That is what makes this rematch so interesting.

Now, after all the belts, knockouts, controversies, injuries, tattoos and miles on the clock, they meet again.

They’ve both changed a lot. Now they finally get to settle it.