Max Holloway isn’t chasing easy fights, he’s chasing history and one very familiar name.
With talks heating up around Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return, Holloway has emerged as a leading option for a blockbuster clash at UFC 329 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. Nothing is signed yet, but the buzz is real and Holloway is already locked in.
“I mean, we have history,” Holloway said. “We fought a very long time ago. If somebody’s got one over me, I want to get him back. I’d love to get him back.”
That history dates back to 2013, long before both men became global stars. McGregor walked away with the win that night, and more than a decade later, Holloway still hasn’t forgotten.
“It’s a huge fight. Anything with Conor McGregor is huge,” Holloway added. “But having history with the dude, being able to get one back would be cool.”
The timing makes sense. McGregor is targeting a return for the first time since his 2021 trilogy loss to Dustin Poirier, where he suffered a broken leg. Since then, questions have followed him—about his form, his focus, and whether he still belongs at the top.
From Holloway’s perspective, the signs look promising.
“He looks hungrier,” Holloway said. “He looks super hungry. It looks like he’s training and really wants to come back. That’s exciting.”
“I’m seeing all the talk that you guys see,” Holloway admitted. “I really didn’t hear anything yet. That wouldn’t be a bad time, though.”
Despite the uncertainty, Holloway isn’t waiting around idly. He’s already in the gym, preparing as if the fight is happening, staying ready in case the UFC makes the call.
“Training camp looks like a regular training camp without a contract,” he said. “My headspace is good. I know when I want to fight, where I want to fight—so I’m just getting in the gym and getting it done.”
Beyond the McGregor storyline, Holloway has his own motivation. His last outing didn’t go his way, as he dropped a decision to Charles Oliveira, costing him the BMF title. Now, he wants to erase that memory—and fast.
“You’re only as good as your last fight,” Holloway said. “We’re going to get everybody forgetting about that last fight as soon as possible.”
A rematch with McGregor does exactly that. It’s high stakes, high attention, and the kind of fight that resets everything overnight.
For now, Holloway waits, but not quietly. If the UFC pulls the trigger, Holloway won’t just be ready.
He’ll be looking to settle old business.
