Conor McGregor makes his much-anticipated return from a five-year hiatus to face Max Holloway in a rematch on Sunday in Las Vegas.
The two fighters will meet at UFC 329, a decade after their initial encounter. McGregor, 37, beat Holloway, 34, when they first met as featherweights in 2013, but both men will step into the octagon as welterweights for this upcoming bout.
McGregor’s Return After Five Years
Former featherweight and lightweight champion McGregor is making his return following a significant break from the sport. He has won just one of his past four fights, recording only two wins in the past 10 years.
In stark contrast, Max Holloway has fought eight times since Conor McGregor’s last bout in the UFC. Holloway, who also held the featherweight title, will be making his debut at welterweight as he aims to avoid a second loss against the Irishman.
Welterweight Debut and Intense Build-Up
The move to welterweight marks a new chapter for both fighters. Holloway will be stepping into the division for the first time in his career for this rematch. The build-up to the fight has included an intense face-off where McGregor was seen ripping Holloway’s glasses off.
Question marks currently hang over McGregor’s UFC return, particularly given his lengthy absence from competition.
Expert Predictions Divide Opinion
The MMA community has offered a range of predictions for the eagerly anticipated contest. Former fighter Michael Bisping is favouring a McGregor win, specifically predicting a round one knockout. Bisping stated that McGregor could finish it in one shot, believing he is going to land a big left on Holloway.
However, Tom Aspinall offered a different perspective, suggesting that while Conor is accustomed to big moments, his five-year absence brings a new pressure. Aspinall believes McGregor will come out hot and hard, swinging early, which might cause a couple of troubling moments for Max Holloway. He then suggested Holloway would get through the initial onslaught, with the fight becoming tough going for McGregor, who would be lucky to see the final bell.
Paddy Pimblett also discussed potential outcomes, stating that if Conor catches Max early, he sees him knocking him out. Pimblett noted that Max has been dropped in three of his last four fights, and at welterweight, Conor will be big. However, he added that if the fight progresses past the second round, Max is likely to piece McGregor up and secure a late finish or decision.
Robert Whittaker is backing Max Holloway for a late stoppage, probably in round four. Whittaker conceded that if Conor comes in phenomenal shape, a decision win might be possible for McGregor. He elaborated that Conor would be difficult to deal with in the first 10 minutes but would then fade, allowing Max to get the win as McGregor crumbles a bit.
Mo, an analyst, also sided with Max Holloway for a late stoppage, again suggesting round four. Mo noted that Holloway did get ‘ragdolled’ by Charles Oliveira, but emphasised that Oliveira is a monster, and he does not believe Conor has the same grappling skillset.
An individual, who mentioned being part Irish, commented on their anticipation for the fight as a fan. They expressed a desire to back the Irishman, being part Irish, but also stated their admiration for Max Holloway, concluding they would simply sit back and enjoy it. Another voice, speaking on the Believe You Me podcast, stated that it is a huge fight and suggested that the longer the fight lasts, the more it will favour Max Holloway, given Conor has not been fighting for a long time.
The question remains whether McGregor can mark his return with a win, or if Holloway will earn revenge in Las Vegas. All the action begins from 03:00 GMT on Sunday, 12 July.