Max Holloway on whether Conor McGregor would point down for slugfest

Max Holloway thinks Conor McGregor would accept his signature point-down challenge if their UFC 329 rematch reaches the final seconds Saturday night.

Holloway told MMA Fighting he expects McGregor to risk it all in a last-round slugfest if the fight stays competitive. "I think he would if we get to that point, and he has the energy to do it," he said. "His fans are there. People screaming for him. I think he might just push himself to go do it."

What McGregor's five-year layoff means for Holloway's gameplan

The Hawaiian hedged his prediction, noting the scenario depends on how the fight unfolds. If McGregor has been dominated across four rounds, Holloway doubts the Irishman would gamble on a standing war with everything on the line. McGregor has not competed since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, but Holloway is preparing for a fully healthy opponent. "Five years, you get to reset, you get to take care of your body," Holloway said, per MMA Fighting.

Alexander Volkanovski, who has logged 75 minutes against Holloway across three title fights, told his YouTube audience he favors Holloway by finish. Volkanovski said McGregor will land early but predicted Holloway's pace will overwhelm him as the rounds pile up. "I don't believe he'll ever be that good again," Volkanovski said of McGregor's prime timing and sharpness.

Holloway acknowledged the stakes extend beyond bragging rights. A dominant win positions him for another lightweight title shot, while a loss sends his career in the opposite direction. "It's do-or-die for both of us," he said. "I've got to go out there, I've got to be exciting. I've got to get a big finish, or if not a big finish, a super dominant win."

The rematch caps UFC 329 in Las Vegas. Their first meeting in 2013 ended with a unanimous decision for McGregor, a result Holloway said neither fighter should lean on 13 years later. Weigh-ins are Friday afternoon.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Max Holloway gives his opinion on whether Conor McGregor would meet him in the middle for a ‘point down’ slugfest
• MMA Fighting — Morning Report: Alexander Volkanovski gives his prediction for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2