Former champion McGregor is named the favorite against Holloway at UFC 329 and makes a surprising prediction.

McGregor at an event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Conor McGregor received an important vote of confidence on the eve of UFC 329Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Dricus Du Plessis He ignored the Irishman's long winless streak and bet that he will defeat Max Holloway In the main event, scheduled for July 11th in Las Vegas, the South African fighter believes that the timing and knockout power of the former two-division champion remain weapons capable of deciding any fight.

While preparing to return to the octagon in UFC Oklahoma, on July 18, before Kamaru UsmanIn a duel that could put him back in contention for the middleweight title, Du Plessis commented on the highly anticipated fight between McGregor and Holloway. A self-proclaimed fan of the Irishman, the South African stated that he would never bet against the former champion and highlighted that his precision and ability to find the decisive blow remain key differentiators at the highest level of MMA.

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“I’ve never, ever hidden this. I’m a huge Conor fan. I’m going with Conor. I’ll never bet against him. Conor has terrifying timing. Everyone who’s ever fought him says that. He has incredible timing and treacherous power. Ilia knocked out Max, so it’s possible,” the former middleweight champion stated in an interview with the Fight Forecast channel on YouTube.

In the South African's view, McGregor's ability to land precise strikes at crucial moments remains a key advantage, even after his long period of inactivity. Du Plessis believes that the former featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) champion still possesses enough tools to overcome Holloway, especially if he manages to impose his traditional counter-attacking game.

The statement also refers to the Hawaiian's recent record. In October 2024, the Hawaiian suffered the first knockout of his career when he was defeated by Ilia Topuria No. UFC 308According to Du Plessis, the result showed that not even one of the toughest athletes in the organization's history is immune to a precise strike, precisely the main characteristic that, in his opinion, makes McGregor such a dangerous opponent.

Period of inactivity increases pressure on McGregor

McGregor promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

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At 37 years old, McGregor tries to end a fast which has lasted more than six years. His last victory took place in January 2020, when he defeated Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. Since then, the Irishman has suffered two consecutive defeats to Dustin poirier and did not return to competition after suffering a serious leg fracture during a fight held in July 2021.

The long period away from sports transformed the duel against Holloway is at one of the most important moments in his recent career. A victory could put the former champion back among the organization's top topics, while another defeat would increase doubts about his ability to compete at a high level.

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 had the advantage, winning by unanimous decision. The fight occurred years before the Irishman won the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) in 2015 and became the first to win the title 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.