McGregor Predicts Holloway Retirement as UFC 329 Rematch Looms

The mixed martial arts world is abuzz as Conor McGregorPlayer·Conor McGregor prepares to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon against Max HollowayPlayer·Max Holloway at UFC 329Competition·UFC 329 on July 11, 2026. The build-up to this welterweight rematch has been dominated by a war of words, with each fighter presenting a vastly different outcome for their impending encounter.

Max HollowayPlayer·Max Holloway, the former featherweight champion, has expressed confidence not only in securing a victory but also in setting the stage for a third fight. Holloway articulated his desire to defeat McGregor in a manner that leaves him with enough hope to believe he "can do it one more time, so we can run it back at the end of the year," potentially in an NFL stadium. This ambition follows a mixed run for Holloway in the 2025/26 season, where he successfully defended his 'BMF' belt against Dustin PoirierPlayer·Dustin Poirier at UFC 318Competition·UFC 318 in July 2025, only to lose it to Charles OliveiraPlayer·Charles Oliveira at UFC 326Competition·UFC 326 in March 2026. Holloway, who confirmed a permanent move to lightweight in February 2025, was ranked number 4 in the Meta UFCCompetition·UFC lightweight rankings as of January 27, 2026, despite a hand injury sustained against Poirier sidelining him for part of late 2025.

Conversely, Conor McGregorPlayer·Conor McGregor, returning after a five-year hiatus, has dismissed Holloway's trilogy aspirations as financially motivated. McGregor's last fight was in July 2021, where he suffered a leg injury against Dustin PoirierPlayer·Dustin Poirier. His return was delayed by an 18-month suspension for anti-doping rule violations, which concluded in March 2026. Despite the extended absence, McGregor's characteristic self-assurance remains undiminished. He views Holloway's comments as disrespectful, suggesting they reveal a focus on the economic aspects of the fight rather than the inherent danger.

"I consider it disrespectful," McGregor stated regarding Holloway's comments during the UFC 329 press conference. "In my opinion, it shows he's here for the economic side. He clearly doesn't realize the danger he's in. I predict Holloway's retirement on Saturday night. Not a trilogy for money."

McGregor did not shy away from detailing his potential paths to victory, asserting his ability to finish the fight swiftly or endure a prolonged battle. "I can destroy Max in 10 seconds," McGregor said. "I have three-second knockouts in my fight statistics. I have defeated and destroyed Hall of Fame fighters, several of them, UFCCompetition·UFC Hall of Fame fighters, and I've done it all in under a minute. I can add Max to that list. But don't get me wrong – if we go into deep waters, Max will be in serious trouble. He will be severely shaken."

The first encounter between McGregor and Holloway in 2013 saw a grappling-heavy affair, influenced by injuries to both fighters. However, the rematch is widely expected to be a striking spectacle. Holloway's brutal knockout of Justin GaethjePlayer·Justin Gaethje at UFC 300Competition·UFC 300 showcased his formidable stand-up skills, a point McGregor was quick to challenge. "In my opinion, his boxing is terrible," McGregor stated. "I don't rate it at all. He only has one speed, and it's not impressive. We've very rarely seen magic in the Octagon from Max HollowayPlayer·Max Holloway. Little evil Holloway. On Saturday night, he will be destroyed."

Regardless of the fight's duration, McGregor affirmed his readiness for any challenge Holloway presents. "With ease," McGregor replied when asked if he was ready to meet Holloway in the center of the Octagon for an open exchange. "With ease and with pleasure."

For Holloway, a victory could propel him back into title contention, validating his move to lightweight and his evolution as a fighter. For McGregor, this return is one of the year's most anticipated events, marking a significant moment in his career. A potential trilogy with Holloway would undoubtedly rank among the most prominent in UFCCompetition·UFC history. As McGregor himself declared, "Mac is back, and fully. We are back! We are fully back – that's the headline."