It’s been a long time since Conor McGregor competed inside the octagon. The Irish fighter returns to action for the first time in five years at UFC 329, taking on Max Holloway in a rematch years in the making.
The fight takes place during International Fight Week, featuring some of the top MMA fighters on the planet. Many have attempted to emulate McGregor’s style and personality, especially following his absence.
McGregor (22-6) beat Holloway in 2013. He went on to become a two-division champion and a true superstar in the sport. The “Notorious” one hasn’t competed since 2021 after breaking his tibia. During his recovery, he’s appeared in movies and has been involved in several controversies.
Now back after all these years, McGregor is ready to show the hunger is still there — that he’s back and better than ever.
“If I didn’t have the fire or the hunger, yet I’m up against one of the most active bodies in the fight game in Max Holloway,” McGregor said during media day via MMA Junkie. “I just think it’s silly to say this.
“The challenge is colossal. The challenge ahead of me is colossal. I’m entering with supreme confidence. It’s magnificent; the fire is in my belly roaring, and it’s about to be released on Saturday night.”
Holloway (27-9) went on a multi-fight win streak after the McGregor loss. He became the UFC featherweight champion and earned the status of BMF Champion, breaking the faces of anyone who stood in his way.
With 12 wins via knockout and elite hand speed and power, Holloway has a chance to avenge a loss from the early days of his career. He also has a chance to set up a trilogy fight against McGregor, which could result in a bigger payday for him.
“Imma go in there and put paws on him. I wanna make him wish he didn’t come back — actually, no, I’m not gonna make him wish that. I’m gonna make him think that he can do it one more time, so we can rematch at the end of the year,” Holloway said during media day via SI.
The Sporting News makes predictions on Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway and the main card. Plus, new users can bet $5 on this fight and get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 odds
All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Max Holloway: -225 | Conor McGregor: +185
- Holloway via KO/TKO: -125
- Holloway via submission: +1100
- Holloway via decision: +550
- McGregor via KO/TKO: +250
- McGregor via submission: +2500
- McGregor via decision: +1200
- Draw: +5000
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Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 prediction
Instead of writing McGregor off right away, or believing he can pull off a quick miracle via knockout, let us look at the stats and facts.
McGregor lands 5.32 significant strikes per minute, has a strike accuracy mark of 49% and averages 0.67 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Holloway lands 6.91 significant strikes, has a 48% accuracy mark and averages 0.23 takedowns landed.
When they last fought, McGregor landed 53 significant strikes and four takedowns. Holloway landed 23 strikes, losing via unanimous decision.
Things have changed since then, as Holloway is the active and more aggressive fighter, landing triple-digit significant strikes in multiple fights. One of the most dangerous punchers in MMA history, Holloway’s boxing-like offense puts even the elite down to their knees.
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McGregor’s past as a boxer can’t be dismissed, as he has a high fighting IQ. He can rush to an opponent or strike when they make the smallest mistake, as he did against Eddie Alvarez. That was 10 years ago, though. The hope is he has worked on his cardio and hasn’t slowed down.
Speaking of, coming back from a tibia injury is a tricky thing. How will McGregor be moving in the octagon? Will his stamina be up to par, especially after all these years away? He can talk the talk, but can McGregor walk the walk anymore?
Will the weight be a factor? Holloway, a featherweight, will compete at welterweight. McGregor has been bulking up for years. It shouldn’t matter in the end, as power continues to travel across all weight classes.
McGregor achieved all there is in the sport. Is the motivation there? We’re about to find out, as he faces someone in Holloway who is always motivated and ready to land the next big shot.
A McGregor fight night means anything is possible. However, this fight seems similar to the Poirier fights, in which McGregor gets stuck after getting tagged a few times. Holloway’s blistering punches and elite cardio may be too much for McGregor to handle, especially in the later rounds.
Sporting News prediction: Holloway via TKO (round three)
More UFC 329 fight card picks
Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint-Denis; Lightweights
Per the DraftKings Sportsbook, Benoit Saint-Denis is the -155 favorite, while Paddy Pimblett is the +130 underdog.
Saint-Denis lands 5.62 significant strikes per minute and averages 4.19 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Pimblett lands 5.49 significant strikes and averages 0.69 takedowns landed.
After falling short for interim gold, the competition continues to increase for Pimblett. His last fight saw him get pummeled against Justin Gaethje, and BSD may continue that trend. On the floor could go either way, as Pimblett is sound defensively at that position. But Saint-Denis’ body of work, from competition to skills, may just be too much for Pimblett.
Sporting News prediction: Benoit Saint-Denis via unanimous decision
Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista; Bantamweights
Per the DraftKings Sportsbook, Cory Sandhagen is the -135 favorite, while Mario Bautista is the +114 underdog.
Bautista lands 5.30 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.91 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Sandhagen lands 4.86 significant strikes and averages 1.15 takedowns landed. Both can be vulnerable to takedowns, with Sandhagen being brought down 20 times against Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov taking Bautista down eleven times.
The first fight between the two in 2019 saw Sandhagen submit Bautista with the armbar. A lot has changed since then. Sandhagen will have a striking edge while Bautista will can control the floor. While Sandhagen has faced the elite at bantamweight, all signs point to Bautista gaining a measure of revenge.
Sporting News prediction: Bautista via split decision
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Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh; Flyweights
Per the DraftKings Sportsbook, Lone’er Kavanagh is the -218 favorite, while Brandon Royval is the +180 underdog.
Royval lands 5.54 significant strikes per minute, landing triple-digit shots in four of his last fight contests. He also averages 0.65 takedowns per 15 minutes. Kavanagh lands 4.13 significant strikes and averages 1.12 takedowns landed.
Beating a former champion in Brandon Moreno in a short-notice fight definitely gives Kavanagh an edge. He’s yet to finish anyone in the octagon, which could benefit Royval. While a loss against Manel Kape was concerning, Royval is no pushover. Royval’s diverse skillset may bring early trouble for a growing Kavanagh. A “Raw Dawg” upset doesn’t sound so unrealistic.
Sporting News prediction: Royval via unanimous decision
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King Green vs. Terrance McKinney; Lightweights
Per the DraftKings Sportsbook, Terrance McKinney is the -135 favorite, while King Green is the +114 underdog.
Terrance McKinney lands 6.53 significant strikes per minute and averages 3.31 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. King Green lands 6.46 significant strikes, and the veteran averages 1.33 takedowns landed.
McKinney is known as being hard-hitting and fast, with seven straight fights not making it out of the first round. He’s traded wins and losses. While Green is getting older, he’s been on a roll, winning three straight in dominant fashion. He may be able to adapt and strike before McKinney could find any momentum. Don’t blink, this could be a good one!
Sporting News prediction: Green via TKO (round one)
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