Belal Muhammad warns Max Holloway to wrestle early vs McGregor

Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad says Max Holloway should wrestle Conor McGregor early when the two meet at UFC 329 next month in Las Vegas.

McGregor returns after five years away when he faces Holloway in a welterweight bout at T-Mobile Arena, per Sherdog. Muhammad expects the Irishman to come out fast and dangerous in the opening minutes, but believes his gas tank will betray him as it did even during his prime.

Muhammad says clinching and grappling will drain McGregor's cardio

"I think that first three or four minutes, McGregor's gonna come out hot," Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. "When he was at the top, his cardio was a problem. So now, five years off, extra muscle, higher weight class, I think his cardio's gonna be even a bigger problem."

Muhammad pointed to McGregor's added muscle mass at 170 pounds as a factor that will drain his conditioning faster. The former champion suggested Holloway should initiate clinches and shoot takedowns to get past the early storm and into the later rounds where McGregor historically fades.

"For Holloway, I would definitely add in a takedown to wear on him," Muhammad added. "To get past the first three to four minutes." UFC 329 takes place July 12.

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Belal Muhammad gives Max Holloway warning ahead of Conor McGregor fight