Max Holloway scored a third-round TKO over Jose Aldo for the second time in six months to retain his world featherweight title in the main event of UFC 218 tonight in Detroit.

The fight played out similarly to Holloway’s win over Aldo in June. After a patient first round, Holloway stepped up the pace midway through the second round and then finished it with a flurry in the third.

Referee Herb Dean called the fight with Aldo on his back and Holloway raining down blows at 4 minutes, 51 seconds of the third round.

Holloway (19-3, 15-3) extended his winning streak to 12. Aldo dropped to 26-4 and 8-3 in the UFC with his third loss in four fights.

“I knew he was tired already. That was the whole thing,” Holloway said in a postfight interview. “Let’s take him to deep waters.”

Holloway landed 114 significant strikes to Aldo’s 72, according to ufc.com.

Holloway was supposed to defend his belt against Frankie Edgar before an injury forced Edgar to pull out of the fight last month.

“I told you guys all these guys is cupcakes,” Holloway said. “I look forward to the new flavor.”

Holloway’s active winning streak has only been surpassed by Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson and Jon Jones.