Jeremy Stephens at UFC 194 – Dec. 12, 2015
Later in 2015 Holloway found himself in a showcase spot in the pay-per-view opener at the huge UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor event, where he faced the hardest-hitting contender in the featherweight division.
Jeremy Stephens had spectacularly finished Holloway’s former nemesis Bermudez in stunning fashion at UFC 189 earlier in the year, and was looking to build momentum on his way to the top of the featherweight division. But Holloway bit down on his mouthpiece and went toe-to-toe with “Lil’ Heathen” as he outstruck his one-time training partner en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Holloway expertly picked Stephens apart with his striking throughout the three-rounder at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as he nullified his opponent’s power by feeding him a steady diet of strikes and smart takedown defense during a contest that showcased Holloways growing maturity as a fighter.
“Blessed” earned scores of 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 to put him within touching distance of the division’s top contenders. Then, after his victory over Ricardo Lamas at UFC 199, he landed a title fight.
Watch Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens on UFC Fight Pass
Next up: Stealing the show against “Showtime”