Scheduled for the main event of UFC 329 on July 11th in Las Vegas (USA), former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg), Max Holloway , showed confidence for the highly anticipated rematch with Conor McGregor . On the eve of the duel, 'The Blessed' stated that he intends to dominate his rival, but made a curious promise: instead of "retiring" the Irishman, he wants to convince him that he is still capable of competing to force a rematch in 2026.
During the event's 'media day' last Wednesday, the Hawaiian was asked about the possibility of ending McGregor's career for good. In good humor, Holloway dismissed that idea and stated that he prefers to make the two-time champion believe that he can still fight at a high level to secure a trilogy this year.
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“I want him to regret coming back… actually, no! I’m not going to make him regret it. I’m going to make him think he can do it again so we can have a rematch at the end of the year,” joked the former featherweight champion.
The matchup marks the reunion between the athletes after more than a decade. They first faced each other in 2013, when the young Hawaiian was defeated by unanimous decision. Since then, 'Blessed' has built a historic career in the organization, winning the featherweight and BMF belts, establishing himself as one of the biggest names in the division.
Now, facing a Conor McGregor returning to the octagon after five years of inactivity, Max Holloway believes he can finally get his revenge. The main event of UFC 329 promises to pit two of the most popular fighters in the organization's recent history against each other in a rematch surrounded by expectation and rivalry.
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 in 2015 and became the first to win two weight classes in the UFC, in 2016 against Eddie Alvarez in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).
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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