Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway has gained another sharp prediction before UFC 329 in Las Vegas, with Alexander Volkanovski backing Holloway to beat and possibly finish the returning Irish star.
McGregor is set for his first UFC appearance in five years, facing Holloway in a rematch 13 years after their first meeting, which McGregor won by unanimous decision.
The fight adds to a huge UFC 329 build-up, following Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor being linked to another blockbuster UFC target.
Volkanovski Backs Holloway
McGregor has not fought since suffering a serious leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, but the former two-division champion insists he is returning with danger everywhere.
“You do not want to be anywhere inside that Octagon with me,” McGregor said. “I am dangerous everywhere. I can knock you unconscious from everywhere inside that Octagon, and that’s what I plan to do.”
McGregor also then warned: “There’s a different animal entirely that is in front of Max Holloway here, and he’s gonna feel every bit of it.”
Volkanovski, however, believes Holloway’s pace, durability and pocket exchanges will be too much over the fight.
“I’m going with Max Holloway for the win,” the UFC featherweight champ said.
“Can it be a finish? One hundred per cent.
“If Max gets you tired, he’s so good at going in for the kill. He’s even getting much better in the pocket – we’ve seen him (against) Justin Gaethe, firing bombs and dodging punches amongst that brawl.
“I think he’s just going to be too much for Conor, and you’re going to see Max get his hand raised, maybe even getting a finish.
“Max Holloway for the win, 100 per cent.”
Ruffy Offers Backup Role
Volkanovski also suggested Holloway by submission could be a live long-odds option if McGregor fades under pressure.
“When people crumble and get really tired, there’s always a submission there.
“Gamble responsibly. But there’s probably good, good coin for a submission over a TKO, if you wanted a sneaky bet.
“Because Holloway will melt him, and when he’s melted, is a submission going to be the way to go? Maybe we see that.”
Mauricio Ruffy has also offered to serve as backup for the UFC 329 headliner.
Official fight updates are available through the UFC.