Max Holloway reveals unexpected support from Ireland against Conor McGregor ahead of UFC 329.

Holloway celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Max Holloway revealed that he had received unexpected support before facing Conor McGregor. Scheduled for the main fight of the UFC 329On July 11th, in Las Vegas (USA), the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) stated that he has seen many Irish fans showing their support for him on social media, even though he is facing the biggest name in the history of MMA in the country.

During an interview with UFC News on X (formerly Twitter), the Hawaiian fighter said he was surprised by the reaction and joked that part of the Irish fanbase seemed to be on his side for the highly anticipated rematch with McGregor. The former champion revealed that the frequent expressions of support from fans caught his attention in the lead-up to the event.

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"I even think Ireland is rooting for me. I've seen it on social media, so it's going to be great," Max declared.

The duel will mark the second meeting between the fighters in the octagon. They faced each other for first time In 2013, McGregor won by unanimous decision in a fight held early in both their UFC careers.

In recent weeks, Holloway has also heightened the rivalry by provoking McGregor in several interviews. Confident, the Hawaiian stated that the Irishman chose the... wrong opponent to mark his return to the octagon and promises to thwart the double champion's plans at the main event of UFC 329.

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 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.