Conor McGregor is fully immersed in his training camp, dedicating himself entirely to his upcoming UFC return. After a five-year hiatus, “The Notorious” is set to make his octagon comeback as the headliner of UFC 329, where he will face Max Holloway in a rematch.
The Irish fighter has ambitious plans for his return, aiming for a spectacular performance on July 11.
In a recent interview, McGregor shared the intensity of his preparation, stating that he and his team are “living, breathing, and sleeping in the gym.”
Recalling their first encounter in 2013, where McGregor secured a unanimous decision win despite sustaining an ACL tear during the fight, he intends to showcase his evolution as a mixed martial artist at UFC 329 and defeat Holloway once again. He emphasized:
“The opponent is a man that I’ve beaten before. Our last bout was martial arts mastery by yours truly, so I plan on doing it again. I plan on showing my growth and my improvements in there.”
McGregor’s manager has indicated that “The Notorious” intends to remain active and fight frequently following the Holloway bout.
While many anticipate a striking-heavy contest, Holloway is reportedly preparing for all aspects of the fight. Following his BMF title loss earlier this year and a challenging five-round bout against Charles Oliveira, Holloway appears determined to be better prepared for McGregor. Recent training footage suggests Holloway is not only refining his striking but also enhancing his wrestling skills.
Ilia Topuria Backs McGregor to Win Rematch
Ilia Topuria, the UFC’s two-division champion, believes Conor McGregor will defeat Max Holloway at UFC 329, despite McGregor’s extended break from the sport. In an interview with Carlos Contreras Legaspi, Topuria stated:
“I think Conor is going to win.”
Topuria added that if McGregor secures a victory and still has another fight on his contract, he would be eager to face him next.
“If he [McGregor] wins and he has one more fight, we could end up having that fight [Me vs. Conor].”
It remains uncertain whether McGregor has signed a new multi-fight contract with the UFC prior to his return. Some reports suggest he has declined to sign a new deal and has only two fights remaining before becoming a free agent.
