Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway: Vegas Rematch Heats Up

Conor McGregor is set to return from a five‑year absence when he meets Max Holloway on Sunday in Las Vegas. The bout marks a welterweight clash at UFC 329, a shift from their 2013 featherweight encounter where McGregor secured a victory. At 37, the former featherweight and lightweight champion has mixed form, recording just one win in his last four fights and two victories over the past decade. Holloway, also a former featherweight titleholder, will make his welterweight debut while seeking to avoid a second loss to the Irish star. The fight streams live from 03:00 GMT on 12 July via the BBC Sport website and app.

Why This Rematch Matters

McGregor’s five‑year gap has left fans unsure of his condition, especially after a decline in recent performances. Holloway’s move up to 170 lb adds a new dimension, as he aims to prove he can compete beyond featherweight. The two fighters have a history: McGregor’s 2013 win was a highlight of his early career, and a rematch could rewrite that narrative. Both men carry the weight of past triumphs and the pressure of delivering a decisive outcome for their camps. The bout also serves as a showcase for UFC 329’s welterweight class.

McGregor’s Comeback Timeline

The Notorious fighter, now 37, last stepped into the octagon at UFC 329, marking the start of his extended hiatus. His recent record shows only a single win in four attempts, underscoring a loss of momentum over the last ten years. Despite the dip, McGregor retains a reputation for power and knockout ability, which could still shock the division. The five‑year break adds both physical and psychological variables for this return. Observers will watch closely to see if his прежния ударная сила returns.

Holloway’s Welterweight Debut

Holloway, who has also worn the featherweight crown, is stepping into welterweight for the first time, looking to avoid a second defeat to McGregor. He has been dropped in three of his last four fights, indicating a need to adjust to a new weight class. Competing at 170 lb gives him a chance to showcase his durability and striking range at a higher level. The shift also tests his conditioning, as he attempts to negate McGregor’s power advantage. This bout could redefine Holloway’s legacy beyond featherweight.

What the UFC Community Predicts

Tom Aspinall – UFC heavyweight champion
McGregor still possesses knockout power, and Aspinall believes the Irishman could end the fight early. He expects a big left hook to topple Holloway in the opening round. Despite Holloway’s activity, Aspinall leans toward a first‑round finish for McGregor. He sees the experience edge favoring McGregor despite the long layoff.

Michael Bisping – former British UFC champion
Bisping forecasts that Holloway will survive the initial round but predicts the battle will become grueling thereafter. He sees McGregor swinging hard at the start, which could create moments of danger for Holloway. However, Bisping expects the fight to stretch deep into the later rounds, where McGregor may struggle. He ultimately backs Holloway to endure and secure a win.

Paddy Pimblett – UFC lightweight
Pimblett thinks an early knockout is possible if McGregor catches Holloway quickly, given the latter’s recent knockdown issues. He warns that if the bout extends past round two, Holloway’s experience will start to unravel McGregor. The prediction leans toward a 50/50 chance, reflecting the uncertainty of the matchup. The undercard fight could hinge on who lands first.

Demetrious Johnson – retired UFC champion
Johnson opts for Holloway, citing concerns about McGregor’s grappling skills compared to Charles Oliveira’s devastating performance. He believes Holloway’s defensive acumen will be key in navigating McGregor’s striking. Johnson doubts McGregor’s ability to adapt to the new weight class and grappling pressures. He expects Holloway to avoid the pitfalls and earn a decision.

Lone’er Kavanagh – UFC flyweight
Kavanagh admits personal bias toward the Irish contender but emphasizes enjoyment over prediction. He plans to cheer for McGregor while also appreciating Holloway’s talent. The flyweight specialist will simply watch the spectacle without committing to a pick. He highlights the entertainment value of two elite strikers facing off.

Paul Felder – retired UFC lightweight
Felder envisions Holloway stopping McGregor in the fourth round, delivering a late stoppage. He acknowledges that McGregor could arrive in exceptional shape, possibly earning a decision. Felder foresees a back‑and‑forth early bout before Max’s persistence prevails. He stresses that McGregor will be tough early but will fade as fatigue sets in. The forecast leans toward a Holloway stoppage.

Benoit Saint-Denis – UFC lightweight
Saint-Denis feels the longer the fight, the better Holloway’s chances become, given McGregor’s extended time away from competition. He points out McGregor’s lack of recent practice as a factor that advantages Holloway. The lightweight fighter expects a strategic, durable performance from Max. He predicts Holloway to capitalize on McGregor’s rust.

Dricus du Plessis – UFC middleweight
Du Plessis declares his support for McGregor, citing loyalty to the Irish icon over objective analysis. He acknowledges Holloway’s greatness but refuses to back against Conor. The middleweight champion notes his own admiration for Max’s skill set. Still, his allegiance leads him to pick McGregor as the winner.

Terrance McKinney – UFC lightweight
McKinney sees a potential early knockout from McGregor but warns that a lack of progress could lead to a Holloway decision. He states that if the fight stretches past the second round, Max will have the advantage, possibly ending by TKO in round four. This prediction keeps the outcome uncertain, with a 50/50 split. The fight’s length will determine the victor.

Bobby Green – UFC lightweight
Green admits a 50/50 split, noting the unknown variables of McGregor’s form. He highlights that McGregor avoids weight‑cutting drama, while Holloway has continued training. Green feels the decisive factor will be McGregor’s timing and explosive power. He leans subtly toward Max due to Holloway’s consistent grind. The lightweight veteran emphasizes the unpredictability of the rematch.

Robert Whittaker – UFC light‑heavyweight
Whittaker backs Holloway, emphasizing his battle‑tested nature and experience in five‑round contests. He believes Max’s durability will prevail over McGregor’s occasional power flashes. Whittaker notes that Holloway’s resilience in tough fights positions him for success. He expects a win for the featherweight veteran turned welterweight challenger. The decision will likely favor Holloway’s stamina.

Mason Jones – UFC lightweight
Jones is confident McGregor will secure a victory, citing size advantage at 170 lb and superior power. He doubts Holloway’s ability to withstand Conor’s strikes, anticipating a finish within three rounds. Jones worries about McGregor’s conditioning but still favors the Irish fighter. He predicts a stoppage that showcases McGregor’s dominance at welterweight.

Cory Sandhagen – UFC bantamweight
Sandhagen expects Holloway to emerge victorious, crediting conditioning differences and McGregor’s extended break. He thinks the physical demands will play into Max’s favor, especially if the fight lasts beyond the early rounds. Sandhagen notes that McGregor’s lack of recent competition will be a hindrance. He projects a Holloway win based on stamina and preparation.

Mario Bautista – UFC bantamweight
Bautista sides with Holloway, believing extended bouts will work to Max’s benefit. He emphasizes Holloway’s capacity to grind out longer fights, contrasting with McGregor’s rust. Bautista expects Max to adapt and dictate the pace over time. The bantamweight star sees a convincing Holloway performance as the likely outcome.

Gable Steveson – UFC heavyweight
Steveson, while acknowledging McGregor’s legendary status, chooses Holloway for the rematch. He respects Max’s pedigree and feels Holloway deserves the win. The heavyweight champion notes both fighters’ historic reputations but leans toward the featherweight veteran’s comeback. He predicts a Holloway victory, respecting both competitors’ legacies.

The spectacle unfolds across the BBC Sport platform, with coverage beginning at 03:00 GMT on 12 July. Fans can stream the event on the website and mobile app, joining a global audience eager to witness this rare reunion. Whether McGregor rewrites his narrative or Holloway earns a second act, UFC 329 promises high‑stakes action at the iconic Las Vegas arena.