UFC Vet Places Only Chance Conor McGregor Has at UFC 329 Vs Max Holloway For ‘Uphill Battle’

Conor McGregor and the topic of his return have buffered substantial hype through the years. ‘Mac’ has been doubling down on his return since his 2021 leg break. Given his status, UFC legend Chris Weidman was expecting ‘The Notorious’ one to vault over the betting odds for the upcoming UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 event. However, he gets a stiff one and is now up against Max Holloway.

Former UFC and BMF champion Max Holloway (27-9 MMA, 23-9 UFC) is a one-of-one fighter and brawler who has bagged all three kinds of belts. Holloway starred in the UFC 300 PPV spectacle main card and snagged his chance. ‘Blessed’ his characterized by how active he is and his usual grit. Which is why for the upcoming UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 event at T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV., he’s the bigger prop.

What are the odds on the [UFC 329]fight? 3-1? …I’m thinking 6-1. Max is so active. Obviously, ..he’s lost to Oliveira in his last fight, but before that, he’s been looking great. And he’s not going to have to worry about the wrestling and jiu-jitsu obviously of Conor McGregor, [Conor] slows down to begin with, and now with five years off…The only chance Conor really has is to knock out Max, probably in the first or second round.

Chris Weidman on UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount)

Ex-UFC middleweight king Weidman can empathise with McGregor’s 2021 leg break. In a manner not dissimilar to McGregor, Weidman sustained one too, which consequently largely necessitated surgical intervention. Mac is as exposive as it gets, but not for the long run; with a 5+ year protracted period, it’s only worse. Whereas Holloway has imparted a ballot fight time totalling 8:52:43 in UFC competition, which is the highest rated in company history.

He’s also widely known to be a volume striker and a top boxer, and on the off-chance the returning Conor McGregor finds his pace, it might have to be early. Holloway’s 3,681 significant/3,980 total strikes are also the most in competition history; the orthodox from Gracie Technics team has also steeled up against 2,457 significant strikes. Again – most in history – so he’s not one against taking some punishment while dishing out his own.

There’s just a pattern here where the Irishman from the Crumlin Boxing Club/Team SBG Ireland needs to do it dirty and fast. While there’s much buzz around it, there’s also much risk involved in McGregor’s return after a long time. Consequently, he has said he’s ready for it.

‘Better’ than before Conor McGregor gives details of camp, thanks training mate before return

A 17-second pop submission and a shattered expectation later, it’s back to yet another MMA giant. It’s all anyone could talk about. Combat world is abuzz with the return of one Conor McGregor, and the fighter himself touted himself ready for it.

McGregor meets one-time rival, Max Holloway, in a five-round welterweight bout at UFC 329. While the last trio of years has seen him post training clips and montages, McGregor, who has not competed since July 2021, is considerably a big underdog against Holloway for July 11th. However, Notorious is confident he can get it done.

Legends like Georges St-Pierre have nudged him big to make a splash and get out of his comfort zone for his return fight. Recently, Mac took it back to the net where ‘The Notorious’ gave insights about his training with Italian stallion Nicolo Solli.

Thank you for all the love, support, and encouragement over the last few days, people! ❤️

I am feeling very energised entering intense training camp because of it! 💪

I am very grateful for the team I have around me. My coaches and training partners, we are all fully tuned in… pic.twitter.com/VoyLOuNvX6

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 21, 2026

Right now, 6-3, Solli has gone 2-1 in Cage Warriors after returning from his hiatus. Reportedly, he also towers above Conor McGregor at a gigantic 6’2” with a reach like a heavyweight! So, getting out of the comfort zone it is.

There’s no telling if this will help against a volume puncher and no-quit berserk like Holloway. Right now, oddsmakers are not predicting an auspicious outcome for McGregor, with Blessed standing at -450 favorite at sportsbooks. McGregor has an implied probability of 25% to get it done. There’s a notion going on, where fans have stated that contesting this fight at welterweight might help both fighters.

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