McGregor at an event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Conor McGregor received an important vote of confidence on the eve of UFC 329. Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Dricus Du Plessis ignored the Irishman's long winless streak and predicted that he will defeat Max Holloway in the main event, scheduled for July 11 in Las Vegas. According to the South African, the timing and knockout power of the former two-division champion remain weapons capable of deciding any fight.
While preparing to return to the octagon at UFC Oklahoma on July 18 against Kamaru Usman , in a duel that could put him back in contention for the middleweight title, Du Plessis commented on the highly anticipated McGregor vs. Holloway fight. A self-proclaimed fan of the Irishman, the South African stated that he would never bet against the former champion and highlighted that his precision and ability to land the decisive blow remain key differentiators at the highest level of MMA.
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“I’ve never, ever hidden this. I’m a huge Conor fan. I’m going with Conor. I’ll never bet against him. Conor has terrifying timing. Everyone who’s ever fought him says that. He has incredible timing and treacherous power. Ilia knocked out Max, so it’s possible,” the former middleweight champion stated in an interview with the Fight Forecast channel on YouTube.
In the South African's view, McGregor's ability to land precise strikes at crucial moments remains a key advantage, even after his long period of inactivity. Du Plessis believes that the former featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) champion still possesses enough tools to overcome Holloway, especially if he manages to impose his traditional counter-attacking game.
The statement also refers to the Hawaiian's recent record. In October 2024, the Hawaiian suffered the first knockout of his career when he was defeated by Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. For Du Plessis, the result showed that not even one of the most resilient athletes in the organization's history is immune to a precise strike, precisely the main characteristic that, in his opinion, makes McGregor such a dangerous opponent.
Period of inactivity increases pressure on McGregor
McGregor promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
At 37 years old, McGregor is trying to end a drought that has lasted more than six years. His last victory was in January 2020, when he defeated Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. Since then, the Irishman has suffered two consecutive defeats to Dustin Poirier and has not competed again after suffering a serious leg fracture during a fight in July 2021.
The long period away from the sport has transformed the duel against Holloway into one of the most important moments of his recent career. A victory could put the former champion back among the organization's top topics, while another defeat would increase doubts about his ability to compete at a high level.
First fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway
The fight took place at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston in August 2013, early in both fighters' UFC careers. Conor had the advantage, winning by unanimous decision. The fight occurred years before the Irishman won the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) in 2015 and became the first to win the title in two weight classes in the UFC, in 2016 against Eddie Alvarez in the lightweight division.
Max Holloway , former BMF champion, won the title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 with a historic knockout in the final 10 seconds and defended it against Dustin Poirier before losing to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March. Before moving up a weight class, the Hawaiian won the featherweight title and defended it four times.
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