Analyst Picks Holloway to Beat McGregor in 2026, Sees Rousey Threatening UFC Top 10
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · May 21
Analyst Picks Holloway to Beat McGregor in 2026, Sees Rousey Threatening UFC Top 10
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · May 21
Max Holloway is forecast to "beat the stuffing out of" Conor McGregor this summer, with the analyst arguing Holloway’s style and volume matter more than McGregor’s five-year layoff.
170 pounds is the main upset variable: McGregor’s timing and power could exploit signs of wear on Holloway’s chin, but the analyst says that is the only realistic path to a McGregor win.
Ronda Rousey, fresh off MVP MMA 1, is judged capable of beating almost everyone in the bottom of the UFC women’s bantamweight top 10, with only Kayla Harrison and Raquel Pennington clear picks over her.
That view is tied to what the column calls a collapsed women’s bantamweight division, suggesting the UFC could even fold the class after Harrison retires.
The mailbag also argues Nate Diaz was already a notable draw before beating McGregor, while predicting McGregor could leave the UFC quickly after 2 more fights to pursue outside bouts worth nearly $500 million.
As superstars launch their own events on Netflix, is the UFC's era of MMA market dominance finally coming to an end?
With winning fighters cut, is the UFC gutting its bantamweight division to rebuild it around champion Kayla Harrison?