Max Holloway is not interested in settling the score with Conor McGregor just once.When Max Holloway steps into the Octagon for the UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas on Saturday, he will be chasing more than revenge for a loss that dates back 13 years. The former featherweight champion also has an opportunity to derail one of the biggest comeback stories in MMA history.
McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Since then, questions have surrounded his motivation, fitness, and ability to compete at the highest level. While the Irishman has hinted at plans for another fight before his UFC contract expires, Holloway believes he could play a major role in shaping what comes next.
Speaking during UFC 329 media day, Holloway suggested that a victory over McGregor might not be the end of their rivalry.
“I’m going in there and put paws on him,” Holloway said. “I’m going to make him wish that he didn’t come back—actually no, I’m not going to make him wish that. I’m going to make him think that he can do it one more time so we can rematch at the end of the year.”
The pair first met in August 2013, when McGregor earned a unanimous decision victory despite injuring his knee during the fight. He relied heavily on his wrestling to neutralize a young Holloway on his way to victory.
Since then, both men have built Hall of Fame-worthy careers. McGregor captured UFC titles in two weight classes, while Holloway established himself as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history with multiple title defenses.
Despite McGregor competing just four times over the last decade and recording only one victory during that stretch, his star power remains unmatched. Holloway acknowledged the magnitude of the matchup and admitted the financial rewards are substantial.
“It’s beautiful,” Holloway said. “I tell you this much, every single guy, fighter or non-fighter, is saying I’m fighting for money. I’m a prizefighter, brother. This is what we do. If you wasn’t fighting for money, you’re an idiot.”
For Holloway, however, the fight is about more than the paycheck. It is also about correcting a result that has followed him throughout his career.
“It’s huge,” Holloway said. “Who would’ve thought Conor was even coming back after what happened with the injury? It’s just big. I finally get to right a wrong, and I’m looking forward to it.
“He’s a killer, and I’m looking forward to seeing the best Conor McGregor on July 11. Hopefully, I get a SportsCenter No. 1 spot up there.”
While many fans have questioned whether McGregor can still compete at an elite level after five years away from the sport, Max Holloway is not buying into that narrative.
“That’s crazy talk,” Holloway said. “A lot of people, a lot of fans are counting Conor out, which is crazy. A lot of people counted Justin Gaethje out against Ilia Topuria. This is different, but this guy has unlimited money, a lot of connections, and he’s coming back from a crazy injury.
“He’s supposedly found God, his kids are going to be at the fights, and he’s doing all the right things. So I’m getting ready for the most dangerous Conor McGregor we’ve ever seen, and nobody’s telling me otherwise, because once you start overlooking people, things don’t go too well for you.”
Interestingly, Holloway recently revealed that he no longer wants a one-sided beatdown. Instead, he hopes to deliver a performance convincing enough to earn a trilogy fight with the former two-division champion.
The Hawaiian understands how rare opportunities like this are in combat sports and wants to make the most of the moment.
A win would also help Max Holloway bounce back from a disappointing loss to Charles Oliveira in his last outing, where he was controlled on the ground for much of the fight. Defeating McGregor would instantly put him back in the spotlight and strengthen his position in the UFC’s crowded title picture.
For now, Holloway remains focused on Saturday night. But if things go according to plan, he believes one win over McGregor may not be enough.
