Max Holloway says he wants to beat Conor McGregor in a way that is competitive enough to set up a rematch later in 2026, giving his corner of the main event additional commercial framing ahead of Saturday’s fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Holloway spoke at UFC 329 media day on Wednesday, via MMA Fighting.
I’m going in there and put paws on him. I’m going to make him wish that he didn’t come back — actually no, I’m not going to make him wish that. I’m going to make him think that he can do it one more time so we can rematch at the end of the year.
Holloway also addressed the financial motivation behind the matchup directly.
It’s beautiful. I tell you this much, every single guy, fighter or non-fighter is saying I’m fighting for money. I’m a prizefighter.
The two first fought in August 2013 at featherweight, with McGregor winning a decision after injuring his knee and using a wrestling-heavy game plan to neutralize Holloway. Both went on to become champions in their respective time away from each other. McGregor holds the final fight on his UFC contract for April 2027, but Holloway’s framing suggests he sees a possible October or November bout as an alternative if the fight is competitive.
