Max Holloway taunts Conor McGregor ahead of his return to the UFC: 'He picked the wrong guy'

Holloway celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz

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Before the anticipated reunion against Conor McGregor, Max Holloway He once again provoked his rival, stating that the Irishman chose the wrong opponent for his return to the octagon. The former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) downplayed 'Notorious' claims that he is fully recovered from the serious injury suffered in 2021 and expressed confidence for the main event. UFC 329, scheduled for July 11th in Las Vegas (USA).

In an interview with the UFC on Paramount YouTube channel, Holloway acknowledged that McGregor had enough time to recover from the serious injury he suffered in 2021. However, he stressed that dealing with physical problems is part of the routine for high-performance athletes and stated that the Irishman's condition will not be a decisive factor in the fight.

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“He recovered. Many of us go into these fights injured most of the time and have to bounce back. In the end, I understand what he means about being 100% recovered. The bad part is that he's fighting me. There were many guys he could have chosen, but he chose the wrong one,” Max stated.

The duel will mark the second meeting between the two athletes. first fight It happened in 2013, when McGregor won by unanimous decision in a fight held early in both their UFC careers. Since then, both have won titles, established themselves among the biggest names of their generations, and now star in one of the most anticipated rematches in recent years.

Holloway believes he is experiencing one of the best moments of his career and promises to frustrate Conor's plans, who returns to the octagon after almost five years of inactivity and tries to end a winless streak that has lasted since January 2020.

Period of inactivity increases pressure on McGregor

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

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 in 2015 and became the first to win 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 poirierbefore losing to Charles of the Bronx at UFC 326 in March. Before moving up a weight class, the Hawaiian won the featherweight title and defended it four times.