Five Reasons to Watch UFC 329, Featuring Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2

Promotional poster for UFC 329 : Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

After a long five years away, Conor McGregor is finally back. The Irish star is back in action in the main event of UFC 329 , which takes place this Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA). 'Notorious's' opponent is Max Holloway , whom he knows very well, and the expectation surrounding the rematch is huge, as it involves two MMA legends. However, anyone who thinks the show only features the clash between the former champions is mistaken.

In total, the event consists of 14 fights and will feature the 'Brazilian Squad', which will be represented by three professionals. On the preliminary card, Alessandro Costa , Cesar Almeida , and Ryan Gandra will be in action, looking to take their careers to the next level. To get you in the mood, the SUPER LUTAS team has selected five reasons to watch the show.

1) Triumphant return or beating?

McGregor makes weight and confirms UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The last time Conor McGregor fought was in 2021, and therefore his return against a professional as dangerous as Max Holloway is surrounded by doubts. For many, the Irish star, who lost his last two fights against Dustin Poirier , will have a long night and will suffer from the speed, frenetic pace, and volume of strikes of 'Blessed'. Others believe that, because he is a genius of combat sports, 'Notorious' will be able to show that he remains an agile, powerful, precise, and technical striker and will overcome the pressure and the Hawaiian.

PUBLICITY:

The truth is that McGregor is considered an underdog by bookmakers for the important welterweight (up to 77,1 kg) fight. However, the veteran, at 37 years old, is unfazed by this status and guarantees that he will stage the greatest triumphant comeback in fighting history and silence the critics. In fact, the Irishman's confidence is so great that he ignores his time away from the sport and claims he is experiencing a new peak in MMA.

2) McGregor's reaction

McGregor during training. Photo: Reproduction/X/thenotoriousmma

PUBLICITY:

Because he is so expressive, McGregor's post-fight demeanor is also an attraction in itself. Winning or losing, the MMA star doesn't hide his feelings, for better or for worse. And at UFC 329 , the Irishman's reaction could determine his future in combat sports. If he surprises and beats Holloway again, just like he did in 2013, 'Notorious' should set the organization on fire.

The expectation is that Conor will challenge his rivals, provoke them, and aim for the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg), seeking to become the first champion in three different UFC weight classes. If logic prevails and he loses the rematch, there's a chance McGregor will announce his retirement. In any case, it will be a historic night.

3) Debut of the 'New Jon Jones'

Gable Stevenson promotes Dirty Boxing event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/DirtyBoxing

If the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) needs a revamp, Gable Stevenson emerges as an excellent option to soon reach the top. The 26-year-old American is making his UFC debut, but don't be fooled by that status. The athlete, a wrestling specialist, won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics (Japan) in 2020, is undefeated in MMA, and counts Jon Jones as a friend and mentor.

At UFC 329 , Gable will face Elisha Ellison and, due to his record, is considered by bookmakers to be the biggest favorite of the event and one of the greatest in the organization's history. This prediction is not surprising, as many treat the wrestler as a kind of 'new Jon Jones ' and even as 'the future of MMA'. Furthermore, 'Bones' assures that his athlete is already ready to beat the top fighters in the division.

4) Whittaker in a new adventure

Whittaker focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

PUBLICITY:

MMA veteran Robert Whittaker has made a surprising career decision. The former welterweight and ex-middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) has announced his move up to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg). Making his debut in the division, 'The Reaper' will face Nikita Krylov , who once competed in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg).

Due to the enormous physical disparity between the competitors, the fight is noteworthy and, not surprisingly, concludes the preliminary portion of UFC 329. Whittaker, with two consecutive losses, arrives under pressure. It's true that the Ukrainian isn't a top athlete, as he tires quickly, lacks fight IQ, and has a questionable chin. Even so, the Australian will need to be inspired and will have to surpass himself to defeat a much larger, stronger, and heavier opponent.

5) Brazilian Squadron

Gandra celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC

Last but not least are the Brazilian fighters. In the middleweight division, Ryan Gandra , a striking specialist and natural knockout artist, aims to continue his good run against Zachary Reese . After impressing in his debut, the athlete is seen by many as a potential top-15 middleweight contender and has a good chance of securing his second UFC victory via knockout.

In the same category, Cesar Almeida has a tough mission ahead. The veteran, who defeated Alex Poatan in kickboxing, faces the sensation Damian Pinas . Despite being a striking specialist, the Brazilian needs to be very careful with the explosiveness, speed, and power of 'Baba Yaga' who, like Gandra, shone in his octagon debut.

Alessandro Costa is on a roll and dreams of breaking into the top 15 of the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg). The friend of Diego Lopes is heading into his third fight in 2026 and is riding a two-fight knockout victory streak. Now, his target is Cody Durden . Having shown clear improvement on his feet, Nono has everything he needs to score another knockout, but he needs to be wary of the American's wrestling. If he wins again, the Brazilian should break into the top 15 of the division.