Conor McGregor declares he is at the peak of his career for a rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329

Conor McGregor, former two-division UFC champion, assures that his return to the Octagon will have a significant impact. After a five-year hiatus in the organization, the Irish fighter, now 37 years old, declared that he is at the highest point of his career, promising an overwhelming performance against Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329, scheduled for this Saturday (11) in Las Vegas.

Maurício Ruffy as an alternative for UFC 329

The Irish fighter expressed his ambitions in an interview, highlighting that he is still looking for a series of achievements. He mentioned his desire for more prizes, belts, knockouts and records, stating that he is reaping the fruits of his dedication and that the world of fights belongs to him. McGregor declared that he felt at his peak and ready to demonstrate this condition in the fight.

He also emphasized his ability to be lethal from anywhere in the octagon, with the intention of seeking a knockout. McGregor stated that Holloway will face a totally different and more powerful version of him, ensuring that his opponent will feel the intensity of this transformation in the fight.

McGregor’s return comes exactly five years after his last fight, which resulted in a broken ankle and a loss to Dustin Poirier. During this period, Holloway was active in the octagon, accumulating eight fights and five victories, while the Irishman faced a long layoff and several controversies outside the sporting scene, such as a conviction for sexual assault.

The clash that serves as the main fight of the event is a rematch between the athletes and will be contested in the welterweight category. The first meeting between the two took place in August 2013, in the featherweight division, with McGregor emerging victorious by unanimous decision from the judges.

That 2013 fight marked McGregor’s second appearance in the UFC, and he subsequently racked up seven straight wins. This sequence culminated in the knockout over José Aldo in 2015, guaranteeing him the linear featherweight belt. Subsequently, the Irishman also won the lightweight title, consolidating himself as the first fighter in UFC history to hold two belts in different categories simultaneously.

With great motivation to make an impact on his return to the UFC, the controversial athlete promised a “masterpiece” in the octagon and a new victory over his opponent, this time by knockout. McGregor also teased, suggesting that Holloway learned valuable lessons from their first clash. After the defeat, the American achieved an impressive streak of 13 consecutive victories in Ultimate, defending the featherweight belt on four occasions.

Reflecting on the first duel, McGregor commented that Holloway absorbed several lessons from the “beating” he was given, using them to boost his career. The Irishman emphasized that his return will serve to reaffirm his level and the distinction of his style, promising a “masterpiece” on July 11th.

Concluding his statements, McGregor expressed that he does not believe in the existence of innate talent, but rather in dedication. He described himself as an “obsessed” rather than talented person, highlighting his vast experience and technical superiority in all facets of martial arts. The fighter warned that no one would want to be in his presence in the octagon.