Conor McGregor's return to the octagon is a major event for global sports, but a return against one of the all-time greats, Max Holloway, guarantees that UFC 329 will go down in history as one of the most viewed MMA events.
Two legendary champions that once defined an era in mixed martial arts collide 13 years after their first match. Back then, they were both featherweights, just starting their UFC careers. Today, they are former champions and guaranteed hall of famers.
Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway UFC 329 Preview
McGregor vs Holloway Odds
Max Holloway has been a heavy favourite from the day the fight was announced, and this hasn't changed one bit. Bookmakers even expect “Blessed” to end the fight early via KO/TKO.
- Conor McGregor – 2/1 (3.00)
- Max Holloway – 10/21 (1.476)
- Draw – 80/1 (81.00)
Conor McGregor keys to victory
It's completely unclear how McGregor will return after a five-year absence and a serious injury, especially on the eve of his 38th birthday. Conor and his camp must know that a five-round match is almost certainly not going to end in his favour, which is why they were pushing for a three-round main event until the day the contract was finally signed.
Perhaps we'll see the same old Conor at the start, but it's hard to imagine him keeping up with Holloway's pace over the long haul. After all, the American is one of the UFC's best boxers, imposing a high intensity and possessing exemplary endurance.
Conor will try to earn as many points as possible in the early rounds, but he could even resort to wrestling if Max starts landing too many shots.
And even statistically, everything suggests that McGregor has no chance on his feet, considering that Holloway has survived against all the all-timers in featherweight and lightweight. And he literally holds all striking records in the UFC.
Max Holloway keys to victory
This will be Max's debut at welterweight, and this could either be a positive or a negative. On paper, it should benefit McGregor, as the extra weight will impact Holloway's speed. But the absence of a weight cut could lead to a more functionally fresh Max Holloway.
We expect Max to be extremely calm, despite Conor's attempts to get inside his head. He understands that he has to survive the chaotic first couple of rounds, in which the Irishman will try to win desperately.
Once McGregor slows down, Max will take full control of the fight and potentially move it away from the center of the octagon. Unlike Conor, Max has remained active throughout his entire career, fighting only the best in the business, and this is a huge advantage.
McGregor vs. Holloway prediction: No less than 15 minutes for the fans
This is an extremely difficult fight to predict. There are too many questions surrounding Conor's return, and we know that he has always been the cash cow of the UFC.
Just imagine him beating Max Holloway at Welterweight. The UFC may already be thinking about a potential clash with Islam Makhachev, although that's a very long shot.
And Conor is already making plans to fight Nate Diaz after he “deals with Max.”
And there's always a potential plan for a trilogy between Max and Conor. And then there's the judging problem in the UFC, which has caused countless controversies in recent years. So if the fight goes to distance, we could easily see McGregor winning a close split decision because it is better for business.
Fortunately, Max Holloway is not the type to engage in behind-the-scenes agreements to promote someone else's career, even if that's Conor McGregor.
If we accept that there isn't a hidden agenda, we can only see this fight going one way, and it is not Conor's. Max Holloway should be in full control and dominate the fight, especially if they remain standing.
However, the extra weight will make knockouts harder for both fighters, so we believe the best option is to go for Over 2.5 rounds. We expect them to make a show for the fans and decide the fight in the final rounds, if not go the distance.
MFT Picks: Over 2.5 rounds (11/10, Bet365)
Vladislav has been professionally engaged in freelance journalism for seven years and has worked with numerous leading sports publications. A football and martial arts fanatic, he spent years training in both disciplines before turning to writing.
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