Conor McGregor’s reported demands for a potential fight against Max Holloway have sparked a backlash. The rumoured UFC 329 fight, possibly at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11, is drawing attention for McGregor’s stipulations.
McGregor’s Reportedly Seeks Three-Round Fight at Welterweight
McGregor is reportedly seeking a three-round fight against Holloway, despite it potentially being a main event. Reports also claim that McGregor’s team wants the UFC to place the bout at welterweight.
The promotion hasn’t announced a main event yet, but McGregor is reportedly plotting his potential return in a micromanaged environment.
The UFC hasn’t approved a three-round main event since February 2019, when Israel Adesanya ousted Anderson Silva at UFC 234. Most UFC fights run across three-five minute rounds, headlining main events.
Fan Reaction to McGregor’s Demands
Netizens have reacted negatively to McGregor’s requests. Some fans believe the requests show McGregor is scared.
One fan said: “This shows how bad MMA is getting, old washed up fighters getting promoted.”
- Another fan remarked: “This ain’t bellator man we don’t do 3 round Main events if he wants that it’s gonna have to be co main.”
- A third fan thinks the same way, “Why don’t they just put him in co main and have a title fight as a main, yan is available so why not him vs Umar for a main event?”
Another fan argues that the request favours Conor’s options at the proposed fight: “Three rounds actually favors Conor brutally. Max survives people over time but Conor only needs one mistake & a funeral speech.”
Holloway Seeks to Avenge Previous Loss
Holloway reportedly considers McGregor an ideal foe. Holloway will hope to avenge a 2013 loss against McGregor during their first clash.
McGregor suffered a broken leg during his trilogy against Dustin Poirier back in 2021. Considering McGregor’s injury history, reports claim the Irish man wants a highly controlled environment during his return.
Fighter Stats Highlight Potential for Longer Fight
Octametrics, a UFC-linked database platform, claims both athletes have what it takes to go beyond three rounds. Statistics from their social media platform place McGregor at the 82nd percentile among men, with a Late Round Output of 22.1 sig strikes/round. Holloway is at the 99 percentile with 36.6 sig strikes/round.
All indications prove the UFC would gladly have the Irishman back and won’t mind engaging his opinion in planning the event.