Max Holloway is ready to play the dozens with Conor McGregor, if that’s where he wants to take it.
This summer, Holloway and McGregor square off in the main event of UFC 329, a rematch of their 2013 fight, back before either man was a UFC champion. It’s also McGregor’s first fight in five years, since he shattered his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, and some fans are wondering what sort of “Notorious” will show up, if he even does. But Holloway isn’t concerned about that.
“It is what it is. A fight is a fight,” Holloway said on his YouTube channel. “A lot of people talking about Conor maybe not showing up, or even if he is training, but he looks pretty dedicated from everything that he’s posting out, and I think he’s pretty serious. I think he really misses the sport and really wants to get back in there, so I’m glad for the opportunity. July 11th can’t come soon enough. …”
“He did what he did. He changed the sport in a major way,” Holloway added later. “Glad to have him back, but unfortunately, he’s got to see me. Five years is a long time, but I’m getting ready for the best Conor McGregor there is. I know he’s taking it serious. It looks like he’s taking it very serious, and I’m excited for the challenge.”
It’s not just a challenge for Holloway, but also a chance at revenge, as McGregor won their first fight all those years ago. But things have changed substantially for both men since then, having accomplished almost everything there is to do in this sport. But Holloway believes this fight with McGregor may allow fans to finally see a side of himself that doesn’t usually show up ahead of fights: his trash-talk.
McGregor is the most “Notorious” trash-talker in UFC history, and he already started poking at Holloway as soon as the bout was announced. Despite their apparent respect for each other, that figures to ramp up as the fight draws closer, and Holloway is ready.
“Conor McGregor is Conor McGregor,” Holloway said. “I think he’ll be respectful to a certain point, but dude has the gift of gab. So, if he starts talking, you might actually see a little bit of Waiʻanae boy come out of me for this one. Because not many of you guys know, if you guys want to shit-talk, I love shit-talking too, I just don’t do it that much. But if he wants to go that route, I’d love to tussle.”
McGregor’s return will be one of the biggest events of the year, regardless, but a genuine war of words beforehand will only serve to hype the fight even further. And then, once fight night finally comes, “Blessed” intends to put a stamp on the whole affair.
“I think fans are in for a treat with this fight,” Holloway said. “Two strikers, fun fight. Two mixed martial artists. It’s going to be great, at a weight where me and him are both gonna come in healthy. It’s going to be a fun fight, I think. I’m going out there, I’m not looking for a long time in there. I’m looking for a big finish. International Fight Week, it’s going to be a huge crowd, huge fight, and I want to leave it with a bang.”
UFC 329 takes place on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
