Conor McGregor is set to return on July 11 in the main event of UFC 329 against Max Holloway, and the Irishman has already pinpointed the weapon he believes will finish their 13-year overdue rematch. Stepping into the octagon at 170lbs for the first time in his career, McGregor has declared that a right hook will secure the stoppage, despite entering as the biggest underdog of his mixed martial arts tenure.
Mystic Mac’s knockout vision
Throughout his career, McGregor has been known for calling his own finishes, most famously predicting his 13-second knockout of José Aldo in 2015. With his comeback firmly on the cards, the former two-division champion released a brief training clip via MMAUncensored in which he repeatedly drilled a potent right hook on the pads.
“I want to knock him out with this hook,” McGregor declared, his eyes locked on the striking mitt as he showcased the same precise mechanics that served him throughout his rise. The video underlines McGregor’s continued confidence in his power hand, even after a five-year hiatus since his last octagon appearance in 2021.
Conor McGregor shares the punch that he plans to ‘Knock Out’ Max Holloway with 👊👀
“I want to knock him out with this hook.”
Via: @TheNotoriousMMA #UFC329 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/OBc4uAV7E4
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) May 23, 2026
Underdog odds and Holloway’s recent form
McGregor enters UFC 329 with odds sitting at around +350 to defeat Holloway, marking the heaviest underdog tag he has ever carried. By comparison, when he crossed over to boxing against Floyd Mayweather, he closed as a +350 outsider, but few anticipated those stakes given his MMA pedigree.
In contrast, Holloway boasts eight fights since McGregor’s last appearance, including five UFC title bouts at featherweight and a one-off bout for the organisation’s BMF crown. The Hawaiian’s experience and activity present a formidable challenge for the 37-year-old Irishman, adding weight to the notion that “Mystic Mac” is embracing the long odds on fight night.
Build-up and event context
The UFC confirmed McGregor’s return at UFC 329 during MVP MMA 1, with Dana White making the announcement as Francis Ngannou walked out for his bout. Fans initially speculated the reveal was orchestrated to overshadow Ngannou’s fight, a claim White later dismissed.
Following reports that both McGregor and Jon Jones were passed over for the UFC White House card due to gate-drawing concerns, the promotion has now aligned McGregor’s comeback with International Fight Week. UFC 329 is expected to headline a packed card in Las Vegas, with the company aiming to close the year on a record-setting note.
McGregor’s embrace of long odds, combined with his bold prediction and a high-profile clash with a seasoned former champion, ensures the July 11 main event will be one of the most closely watched fights of 2026.
FAQ
What weapon has Conor McGregor picked to finish Max Holloway?
McGregor has stated he intends to knock Holloway out with a right hook, showcasing the punch during pad work in a video shared by MMAUncensored.
When and where does UFC 329 take place?
UFC 329 is scheduled for July 11, coinciding with International Fight Week in Las Vegas, where McGregor will headline the event against Holloway.
What are the betting odds for McGregor vs Holloway?
McGregor enters the bout as approximately a +350 underdog, the largest underdog line of his MMA career.
How active has Max Holloway been since McGregor’s last fight?
Since McGregor’s last octagon appearance in 2021, Holloway has competed eight times, including five UFC title fights and one for the BMF championship.
