The excitement around the UFC as a product right now has rarely been higher, with the White House card just taking place and with Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon for the first time in five years. McGregor is set to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 at 170 lbs. The two previously fought each other nearly 13 years ago, when McGregor outclassed a young Holloway. Since then, both have achieved amazing things in the sport and have immortalised themselves in the fight game.
However, this is a different picture from the first fight, and with McGregor’s lack of fighting success over the last decade, the fight favours Max Holloway. McGregor will be looking to show that, despite his long layoff, he deserves to be right at the top of the division. He will know that this is probably his last chance to earn more big fights, so there will be no lack of motivation.
His last fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 was devastating, with the Irishman suffering a leg break that had many speculating on whether we would ever see him enter the Octagon again. His choice of opponent in Holloway for his return could not have been much tougher. The Hawaiian has been extremely active, competing at the top level with fights against Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira all taking place since we last saw Conor in the Octagon. That is a collection of the best fighters in the 145 lbs and 155 lbs divisions.
Max Holloway is one of the top strikers in the sport, and his output is rarely matched when he faces opponents, with Holloway holding the record for most strikes in UFC history. His last outing saw him struggle as Charles Oliveira used his grappling to dominate over five rounds; however, grappling is probably not something he will have to worry about in this fight.
McGregor’s confidence is evident leading up to this fight. Speaking to The Mac Life, McGregor said, “The work has been exceptional, no corners cut, you know, no flash. We’ve been quiet this camp, and we’ve been at work, so that’s confidence. If there’s a lack of confidence, you need to share things to get this ego boost. We don’t need it. We’ll do it at night. I’m excited by it.”
McGregor’s attitude is seemingly different from previous bouts, with an acceptance of the mistakes he’s made over the last few years. It is key that he recognises the mistakes he has made with his public behaviour and his actions, which have made people believe that a comeback is impossible.
For McGregor, a win would open up countless opportunities. Perhaps the most obvious would be a title shot at 155 lbs against Justin Gaethje. Gaethjie has hinted at a potential retirement; however, a fight against McGregor may be too big to turn down, and if Conor can beat Holloway, someone who defeated Gaethje, it could be used to justify a title shot, even if there are more deserving contenders.
