Max Holloway's Iconic 10-Second Taunt Originated in 2016 Fight

The UFC star recalls how his signature move started with an opponent's taunting gesture.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:23am

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UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway revealed that his iconic move of pointing down at the ground in the final 10 seconds of his fights originated in his 2016 bout against Ricardo Lamas. Holloway said he was comfortably winning the fight, but Lamas started taunting him by throwing his hands up in the air. After Lamas did this a few times, Holloway decided to invite him to a brawl in the final 10 seconds, which Lamas accepted. Holloway now does this move as a way to invite his opponents to a slugfest in the waning moments of their fights.

Why it matters

Holloway's 10-second taunt has become a signature move that has gained a cult following among MMA fans. It showcases his confidence and willingness to engage in a firefight, even when he is clearly winning a fight. The origin story behind the move provides insight into Holloway's mindset and competitive spirit.

The details

Holloway said the move started in his 2016 fight against Ricardo Lamas. He felt he was comfortably winning the fight, but Lamas started taunting him by throwing his hands up in the air in the final round. Holloway initially didn't understand why Lamas was doing this, but after Lamas did it a third time, Holloway decided to invite him to a brawl in the final 10 seconds. Lamas accepted the invitation, and Holloway has continued the move in subsequent fights as a way to challenge his opponents.

  • Holloway's fight against Ricardo Lamas took place in 2016.

The players

Max Holloway

The current UFC featherweight champion who is known for his signature move of pointing down at the ground in the final 10 seconds of his fights.

Ricardo Lamas

A former UFC featherweight contender who Holloway fought in 2016, and whose taunting gesture during that fight inspired Holloway's iconic move.

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What they’re saying

“It all started because I fought Ricardo Lamas... I felt like I was handling that fight really good. And in the last 30 seconds, I was moving away, just circling away. He kind of stuck his hand up to me like, 'Yo, what the hell?' I was thinking, 'No way bro,' I was tripping seeing him go like this (hands up in the air). And then I slipped something and he went like that again. He was saying nothing but in my mind I was like, 'What is going on? I'm winning. Why is he acting like that?' And then the last time he did it, I was like, 'You know what? Whatever. Ten seconds bro, if you want to be about it, let's see if you are about it.' He threw down though, respect to him.”

— Max Holloway

What’s next

Holloway will look to defend his BMF title in a rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 on March 7 in Las Vegas. Oliveira has claimed he won't miss any chance to get into a slugfest against Holloway.

The takeaway

Holloway's iconic 10-second taunt has become a signature move that showcases his confidence and competitive spirit. The origin story behind the move, which started with an opponent's taunting gesture, provides insight into Holloway's mindset and his willingness to engage in a firefight, even when he is clearly winning a fight.