Conor McGregor has made a bold declaration that Max Holloway "won't lay a glove on me" ahead of their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 329 on 11 July. The Irishman's assertion came during a contentious interview with commentator Joe Rogan, where both fighters dialled in from their respective locations in Ireland and Hawaii. This bout marks McGregor's return to the octagon after a five-year hiatus, following a broken leg injury sustained in his last fight.
The main event of UFC 329 in Las Vegas will see McGregor face Holloway for the second time. Their initial encounter in 2013 resulted in a points victory for McGregor. While McGregor enters this rematch following a loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021, Holloway's most recent outing was a points defeat to Charles Oliveira in March. The stage is now set for a compelling clash, with both fighters looking to reassert their dominance.
During the interview, McGregor directly addressed Holloway's past claims of being the UFC's best boxer. "You say the best boxer, we’re gonna see now," McGregor stated. He further challenged Holloway's standing as the "No 1 featherweight of all time," reminding him of their first fight where McGregor, in his words, "son-ed him at that weight." McGregor dismissed arguments that Holloway was merely a "kid back then," emphasising that he himself was not a veteran either, and promised to replicate his previous performance.
The first fight between McGregor and Holloway took place at featherweight, a division where both men later became champions. McGregor subsequently added the lightweight title to his accolades, while Holloway more recently held the 'Baddest Motherf****r' belt. However, their upcoming contest will be at welterweight, a division McGregor has competed in three times previously, making this Holloway's debut at that weight class. McGregor confidently stated, "No disrespect, Max, you’re not gonna lay a glove on me. And even if you do lay a glove on me, I’m gonna laugh in your face. It’s another world here against me, and it’s another world at this weight. I’m gonna come out of this bout unscathed and in all glory."
Holloway responded to McGregor's taunts by embracing a new persona, referencing McGregor's old 'Mystic Mac' moniker. "Welcome to the Mystic Max era," Holloway declared, promising to land numerous strikes on McGregor's face. He dismissed concerns about the welterweight division, stating, "Brother, this is just another fight. He keeps talking about ‘weight this, weight that’; I’ve been the smallest guy in my gym most of the time throughout my career, so I can’t wait for it, man." The exchange highlights the intense rivalry and personal stakes involved in this highly anticipated rematch.
Source: Joe Rogan Interview