Updated

Updated · MMA Mania · Jul 8

Conor McGregor Arrives in Las Vegas for UFC 329 as 38-Year-Old Underdog Eyes Return

Updated

Updated · MMA Mania · Jul 8

Conor McGregor Arrives in Las Vegas for UFC 329 as 38-Year-Old Underdog Eyes Return

Q: Can McGregor's renewed mindset overcome five years of ring rust against a prime Max Holloway?

Probably not. McGregor’s mindset may improve his discipline and sharpness, but the evidence points to ring rust, age, and inactivity being much harder to overcome against an active, elite Max Holloway. McGregor is returning after nearly five years away, with his last win coming in January 2020 and a 1-3 record since late 2018. He is also coming off major physical setbacks, including the broken leg suffered against Dustin Poirier and a later withdrawal with a broken toe. At nearly 38, the bigger question is not motivation but whether he can still reproduce the timing, movement and endurance that defined his peak. Holloway, by contrast, has stayed active at the top level. He has fought eight times since McGregor’s last outing, remains highly ranked, and is still regarded as one of MMA’s best volume strikers. His pace is especially important here: if McGregor cannot hurt him early, Holloway’s output and durability are likely to take over as the fight extends. That is why bookmakers have McGregor as the underdog and why former champions such as Daniel Cormier and Georges St-Pierre have publicly questioned whether even a fully committed McGregor can return at this level after such a long absence. McGregor still has a real path: his power, counter left hand and early explosiveness give him a puncher’s chance, especially in the opening rounds. But on the available evidence, a renewed mindset alone is unlikely to erase five years of ring rust against a prime, battle-tested Holloway.

2 articles · Updated · MMA Mania · Jul 8

Las Vegas received Conor McGregor ahead of Saturday’s UFC 329 main event against Max Holloway, easing speculation that he might miss the card.
T-Mobile Arena marked McGregor’s first look at the venue hosting his comeback fight, the same building where he last fought in 2021 and lost to Dustin Poirier.
McGregor, who turns 38 in days, said on UFC 329 Countdown that he had wasted time but now feels grateful to compete again and determined to keep going.
Betting markets still list McGregor as the underdog against Holloway, even as he says he remains in his prime and is chasing more belts, knockouts, records and cash.