Max Holloway eyes decisive win over Conor McGregor at UFC 329
UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway says he is focused on defeating Conor McGregor in their long-awaited rematch at UFC 329, emphasizing the fight’s importance for his own title aspirations.
UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway will face Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11, marking their first meeting since McGregor’s 2013 victory. Holloway told MMA Fighting that the 13-year gap makes the previous bout “it is what it is,” and he is preparing for “the best Conor McGregor there is.”
Holloway acknowledged McGregor’s five-year absence from the UFC after a broken leg in 2021, noting that the fighter has had time to recover and reset. He said, "> It’s five years. It could have gone the other way… I’m getting ready for the best Conor McGregor, and I can’t wait."
Coming off a loss to Charles Oliveira, Holloway said a victory would position him for another title shot, while a defeat would set him back. He added, "> It’s do-or-die for both of us… I need to go out there, get my hand raised in exciting fashion."
Holloway also speculated that if the fight becomes competitive in the later rounds, McGregor might attempt a high-risk “point-down” maneuver similar to Holloway’s knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. He concluded that he aims to deliver a dominant performance, whether by knockout or decision, to satisfy both competitive and entertainment expectations.