Former rival warns Conor McGregor ahead of rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329.

Conor McGregor in the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz

The former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Dustin poirier, there is no doubt that Max Holloway would have an advantage over Conor McGregor In his famous final seconds of a fight. Known for pointing to the center of the octagon and challenging his opponents to a striking exchange in the final stretch of the fights, the Hawaiian will face the Irishman in the main event of UFC 329, July 11th. In the 'Diamond's' view, who has already fought trilogies against both, Holloway would have great success if he repeated the gesture.

Although I acknowledge the knockout power Regarding McGregor, Poirier believes the scenario favors Holloway if the fight goes to the fifth round, especially in the final 10 seconds. This is because, according to him, the Hawaiian would have a significant advantage in speed and physical conditioning compared to his rival.

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“If the fight goes to the fifth round and there’s a striking exchange in the last 10 seconds, I don’t think Conor will be in physical condition to face Max in that way. Max is still very fast at the end of the fight,” commented the former interim champion, during an appearance on the 'UFC on Paramount' podcast on YouTube.

The analysis reveals the impact that five years away from combat sports can have on Conor's next fight. During this period Max Holloway He fought eight times, all fights scheduled for five rounds. According to Poirier, the physical factor can become decisive in a balanced duel at the end, especially against an opponent like the Hawaiian, known for his high pace and constant volume of strikes until the last second. 

First fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway

The fight took place at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston in August 2013, early in both fighters' UFC careers. Conor McGregor He had the advantage, securing the victory by unanimous decision. The fight took place years before the Irishman won the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) in 2015 and became the first to win the belt in two weight classes in the UFC, in 2016 against Eddie Alvarez in the lightweight division.

Max Holloway, was BMF champion, won against Justin gaethje No. UFC 300, with a historic knockout in the last 10 seconds and defended against Dustin poirier, before losing to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March. Before moving up a weight class, the Hawaiian won the featherweight title and defended it four times.