Conor McGregor mocks Max Holloway's training session with the former champion before UFC 329.

McGregor celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

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Conor McGregor It heated things up again for the UFC 329On the eve of the long-awaited reunion against Max Holloway, the former featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) champion mocked his rival's preparation, downplayed the training done by the Hawaiian and guaranteed that no training partner is able to reproduce the intensity that he will bring to the octagon in the main fight this Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA).

During the event's 'media day' last Wednesday, McGregor was asked about the fact that 'Blessed' had done part of his training alongside... Jack Della Maddalena, former welterweight champion (up to 77kg). Without holding back his criticism, the Irishman stated that training will not be enough to prepare his opponent for the challenge he will face in the octagon.

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“I had no choice, why not? I see a little Mickey Mouse team, this isn’t going to work. It’s not at the level of ferocity he’ll face in the octagon. They’re both going to get hurt,” Conor said, commenting on the partnership between Holloway and Maddalena.

Known for his provocations before big fights, the star maintained his confident demeanor and reinforced his belief that he is on a level above his rival. 'The Notorious' returns to the event after five years away from competition and guarantees he is in top physical condition. Since the announcement of the rematch, the fighter has repeatedly stated that he will return even more dangerous and promises to prove that he continues to belong to the elite of the sport.

The duel marks the second meeting between McGregor and Holloway. They first faced each other in 2013, when both were still taking their first steps in the organization. On that occasion, the Irishman won by unanimous decision of the judges.

Now, almost 13 years later, the two return to share the octagon in one of the most anticipated fights of the season, with the Hawaiian seeking revenge and the two-time champion trying to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at a high level in the UFC.

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.