Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 9
Fighters Back Max Holloway to Beat Conor McGregor at UFC 329 After 5-Year Layoff
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 9

Fighters Back Max Holloway to Beat Conor McGregor at UFC 329 After 5-Year Layoff

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 9

Summary

  • UFC 329 fighters and coach Din Thomas largely picked Max Holloway to beat Conor McGregor on Saturday in Las Vegas, with several forecasting a late stoppage or decision.
  • The common case against McGregor was his five-year absence from competition: Pimblett, Saint Denis, Sandhagen and others said Holloway's pace, cardio and recent activity should take over if the fight extends past two rounds.
  • Thomas predicted Holloway by fourth-round TKO, arguing his heavier volume striking at the higher weight would force mistakes from McGregor, whose best path is an early power shot.
  • The bout headlines International Fight Week at T-Mobile Arena and revisits their August 2013 meeting, which McGregor won by unanimous decision; Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint Denis serves as the co-main event.

Insights

How will Max Holloway's famed cardio hold up in his welterweight debut against McGregor's notorious fight-ending power?
After a five-year layoff and major injury, can Conor McGregor's power still finish an elite fighter like Max Holloway?