Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has offered his tactical insight into the highly anticipated welterweight clash between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway at UFC 329. Bisping, now a prominent UFC commentator, suggests that despite a natural size advantage for McGregor, the Irishman is unlikely to employ a wrestling-heavy strategy in the main event this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The bout marks a significant moment for both fighters, particularly McGregor, who is stepping back into the Octagon after a five-year absence following a broken leg sustained in his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier. At 37, McGregor will face the 34-year-old Holloway in a division where the Hawaiian has never previously competed, despite both men achieving championship success at featherweight and lightweight.
Bisping, speaking to The Independent via prediction market experts, expressed doubts about McGregor opting for a grappling-intensive approach. He highlighted the significant cardio demands of wrestling, a factor that has historically challenged McGregor, who is known for his explosive starts but can sometimes fade in longer fights. "Wrestling is one of the most cardio-heavy aspects of mixed martial arts," Bisping stated, adding, "Conor historically is very explosive but tends to fade as the fights go on, so I don’t think we’ll see Conor shooting [for a takedown]."
Instead, Bisping anticipates McGregor will trust his formidable striking power. "Conor’s best chance is to go out there, believe in his left hand, land the big shot, knock him out, and then – you know – blow the roof off the T-Mobile Arena," he explained. This aligns with McGregor's typical fighting style, although he did incorporate some wrestling in their initial 2013 encounter, a fight he won but was also hampered by an injury.
For McGregor, this fight is an opportunity to secure his first victory in six years, his last win being a knockout of Donald Cerrone in 2020. Holloway, while typically competing at lightweight and recently losing his 'BMF' title to Charles Oliveira, remains an acclaimed fighter, particularly for his dominant run at featherweight. McGregor himself acknowledged Holloway as an "established" and "accomplished" opponent, expressing confidence in replicating his previous martial arts mastery.