The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making its yearly comeback to Las Vegas for its International Fight Week blockbuster, with UFC 329 headlined by one of the highest-anticipated rematches in recent years.
Conor McGregor and Max Holloway will meet again in the Octagon for the first time in 13 years, and the question on everyone’s lips is: will “The Notorious” produce another out-of-this-world comeback after a five-year hiatus?
Or will “Blessed”, arriving as one of the UFC’s most battle-tested stars, prove that activity and momentum are just too much to overcome?
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Conor McGregor | +195 |
| Max Holloway | -230 |
44 players claimed the offer this month
When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Date: Saturday, July 11 (Sunday, July 12 GMT+3)
- Time: 4:00 AM GMT+3
- Place: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Where to Watch: UFC Fight Pass / Pay-Per-View
McGregor Returns After Five Years, But Holloway Holds the Edge
As anticipated, this will not be just another main event but the rematch of a decade, as their first meeting took place in 2013, when a rising McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision.
Ever since, both fighters have turned into legends in their own right, with McGregor becoming the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion as well as one of the biggest stars in combat sports history, and Holloway building a Hall of Fame résumé as one of the greatest featherweights ever.
This time around, the circumstances are quite different, as McGregor hasn’t competed since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. The last time he tasted victory was in 2020, in the match against Donald Cerrone in 2020.
The five-year layoff, without a doubt, raises natural questions regarding timing, conditioning, and the lost or preserved potential of his explosive left hand that made him famous.
Holloway, on the other hand, has not walked away from elite competitions. While he is coming off a defeat to Charles Oliveira earlier this year, the 34-year-old kept fighting the UFC’s best, and he is not ready to enter the bout with far greater recent experience.
The bookmakers clearly favor Holloway for his undeniable cardio, relentless pressure and one of the highest striking outputs in UFC history.
Is McGregor Capable of One More Magical Performance?
McGregor’s path to victory is straightforward, as all he needs to do is set the pace early, gain control of the center of the cage and manage to land his trademark left hand before Holloway manages to settle into his own rhythm.
Throughout his career, the now 37-year-old Irishman has proven to be most dangerous during the opening rounds, helped by his speed, excellent timing and precision.
By comparison, Holloway’s game is almost completely different, as the Honolulu-born is known to thrive over five rounds, constantly increasing his volume while wearing opponents down with combinations and pressure.
Conor McGregor VS Max Holloway Prediction
McGregor is still one of the sport’s biggest knockout threats, and counting him out completely has often proved costly. However, five years away from competition is a giant obstacle, especially when facing a fighter as active as Holloway.
If McGregor won’t find an early finish, Holloway’s relentless pace will likely take over, absorbing the early pressure before pulling away in the championship rounds.
Pick: Max Holloway to win