6. Max Effort
Clean, accurate punches paired with a dazzling array of kicks and a series of takedowns spurred Conor McGregor to a three-round unanimous decision over Max Holloway in a UFC Fight Night 26 undercard tilt on Aug. 17, 2013 at the TD Garden in Boston. All three judges sided with McGregor: 30-27, 30-27 and 30-26. Holloway seemed mesmerized throughout the first round, as the Irishman blasted him with high-velocity strikes to the head and body, showing no regard for the return fire. Over the final 10 minutes, McGregor, citing a knee injury, turned to takedowns. He was successful there, too, as he grounded Holloway repeatedly and mounted him midway through the third round. It was later revealed that McGregor had suffered an ACL tear during the bout, making the victory all the more impressive. He underwent reconstructive knee surgery and did not compete again for nearly a year.
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