Summary
Charles makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Out of action since 2021, Conor McGregor will finally return to the octagon against an old acquaintance. In the main event of UFC 329 , a grand event scheduled to take place on July 11th in Las Vegas (USA), the Irish star faces Max Holloway for the second time in his career. Knowing the pair well, Dustin Poirier , now in the role of commentator, analyzed the rematch and expressed pessimism about McGregor's chances of beating the Hawaiian again.
It's quite true that 'Blessed' will be questioned going into the welterweight bout (up to 77,1 kg) due to the tough loss he suffered against Charles do Bronx in March. On that occasion, the Brazilian gave Holloway a grappling masterclass and neutralized him, winning easily by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
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However, while participating in the 'Deep Waters' podcast, Poirier made a point of remembering that McGregor is a completely different fighter from the Brazilian. Therefore, 'The Diamond' doubts that the UFC star can tame Holloway like Do Bonx and even repeat what he did in their first fight. In 2013, the Irishman was injured during the fight, surprised 'Blessed' with takedowns, and won by points.
“I don’t know if he’s living, sleeping, doing everything at the gym. He’s definitely preparing. In the first fight, I thought he showed a complete arsenal of martial arts. He hurt his legs, switched to wrestling, and nobody imagined he could get takedowns like that. He’s a knockout artist, a striker, but he did what he had to do and won the fight,” said the MMA legend.
“That’s mastering martial arts, going from being a kickboxer to taking down your opponent, winning rounds and the fight. He did a great job the first time. But McGregor isn’t that kind of wrestler and he doesn’t have the stamina. Especially at welterweight, he’ll be heavier. I don’t think that’s good. Charles doesn’t use traditional wrestling. It was a lot of body grappling, clinching, different things.”
“I bet Holloway’s basic wrestling defense is probably very good if the guy is applying normal takedowns. But the grappling of a jiu-jitsu guy is a different field than that of a wrestler. The preparations, takedowns, the defense are different. So, I don’t think McGregor has what Charles had to stay on top of him like that,” he concluded.
Poirier's fighters in MMA
Poirier focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Dustin Poirier , 37, is an MMA legend. The American is a former interim UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), fought for the undisputed title three times, and won the 'BMF' (Baddest Motherfucker) award twice. 'The Diamond' began his career in the sport in 2009, debuted in the UFC in 2011, and retired in 2025.
In this discipline, the athlete built a record of 30 wins, ten losses, and one 'no contest' (fight without a result). His main victories were over Anthony Pettis , Benoit Saint-Denis , Conor McGregor (twice), Dan Hooker , Eddie Alvarez, Jim Miller , Justin Gaethje , Max Holloway (twice), and Michael Chandler.
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