Max Holloway Spars Jack Della Maddalena for UFC 329 McGregor Bout

Max Holloway has recruited former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena as a sparring partner ahead of his Conor McGregor rematch at UFC 329 next month.

MMA Mania reports that Holloway brought in the Australian striker to help replicate McGregor's standup game for the July 11 fight in Las Vegas. The matchup marks McGregor's first appearance since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

Why Holloway-McGregor 2 landed at welterweight

The rematch comes 13 years after McGregor outpointed Holloway at featherweight in 2013. Matchmakers settled on Holloway after the former featherweight champion lost his BMF title to Charles Oliveira. The fight is expected to rank among the promotion's biggest events of 2026.

Whether Della Maddalena can fully mirror McGregor's southpaw counters and timing remains unclear, but Holloway is reportedly leaving nothing to chance. Video surfaced this week showing the two drilling exchanges.

McGregor opened as a betting underdog despite his star power, per the MMA Mania story. Holloway has said the welterweight limit is no concern. UFC 329 anchors International Fight Week in Nevada.

Photo: Cpl. Samantha Sanchez / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Secret Weapon? Max Holloway Enlists JDM As UFC 329 Sparring Partner | Video | MMA Mania