Former BMF champion reveals he's 'betting everything' on Max Holloway against Conor McGregor at UFC 329.

Masvidal makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Jorge masvidal is convinced that the return of Conor McGregor The fight in the octagon will not end the way the Irishman imagined. has been planningThe former welterweight (up to 77kg) title challenger, the American, bet that Max Holloway will be vastly superior in the confrontation that leads the UFC 329, scheduled for July 11th in Las Vegas (USA).

During an appearance on the UFC on Paramount podcast on YouTube, former champion BMF stated that he sees the Hawaiian fighter growing stronger throughout the fight. In the veteran's assessment, Holloway will withstand McGregor's initial pressure and begin to dominate the fight after the first few minutes.

“I’m betting everything on Max. I think Max is going to make the fight unbalanced. At some point, after a minute or two of fighting, Max is going to take control,” Masvidal stated.

The statement is noteworthy because McGregor is still recognized for his knockout power and explosiveness in the opening minutes of fights, characteristics that marked his career leading up to winning the featherweight (up to 65,7kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3kg) titles.

Despite this history, the Irishman returns to the octagon after a long period of inactivity, a factor that raises doubts about his fighting rhythm against an opponent known for his high volume of strikes and excellent physical conditioning. If Masvidal's prediction comes true, the Hawaiian could achieve one of the greatest victories of his career and frustrate the... Awaited return by Conor.

Period of inactivity increases pressure on McGregor

McGregor promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

PUBLICITY:

At 37 years old, McGregor tries to end a fast which has lasted more than six years. His last victory took place 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 did not return to competition after suffering a serious leg fracture during a fight held in July 2021.

The long period away from sports transformed the duel against Holloway is at one of the most important moments in 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 in 2015 and became the first to win two weight classes in the UFC, in 2016 against Eddie Alvarez in the lightweight division.

Max Holloway, was BMF champion, won against Justin gaethje No. UFC 300, with a historic knockout in the last 10 seconds and defended against Dustin poirierbefore losing to Charles of the Bronx at UFC 326 in March. Before moving up a weight class, the Hawaiian won the featherweight title and defended it four times.