Max Holloway on Conor McGregor trash talk: 'Just show up'

Max Holloway isn't losing sleep over Conor McGregor's pre-fight confidence ahead of their June 11 rematch at UFC 329.

Holloway told MMA Junkie this week that McGregor can talk all he wants about their first meeting 13 years ago — a lopsided decision loss for Holloway that included one 30-26 scorecard — as long as the Irishman actually makes it to the cage. "Whatever gets him to the octagon Saturday night, keep telling yourself that," Holloway said, per MMA Junkie. "Just please show up Saturday night."

Holloway unfazed by McGregor's claim he hasn't evolved

McGregor has reportedly suggested in recent interviews that Holloway remains the same fighter he dominated over a decade ago. Holloway's response was brief. "Him saying I'm not a different fighter and blah, blah, blah, it is what it is," he said. "Keep telling yourself whatever you've got to tell yourself. I just need him to come and show up July 11, and get in that octagon. Then we can find out if he's right or wrong."

The former featherweight champion added that he's all for McGregor's verbal routine if it helps the former two-division titleholder reach fight night. "Conor got the gift of gab, and he loves talking," Holloway said. "Maybe he's talking to get himself ready. I support it 100 percent. Me, Max 'Blessed' Holloway, supports this message. Keep talking. I can't wait to see you come Saturday night."

McGregor has not fought in five years. He was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in 2024 but withdrew two weeks before the event with a broken toe. No replacement date was ever set. UFC 329 marks his first booking since.

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• MMA Mania — Max Holloway brushes off Conor McGregor’s trash talk: ‘Just please show up Saturday night’