McGregor says 170-pound move brings 'different thud' vs Holloway
Conor McGregor says the jump to welterweight has changed his punching power ahead of his rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 329 next week.
McGregor returns for the first time since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021 when he faces Holloway on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The former two-division champion told The Mac Life that fighting at 170 pounds will produce a noticeably different impact. "There's a different thud when you fight against me," he said, per Sherdog. "I fought Max once many years ago. I look forward to my improvements on it."
McGregor preparing for first bout since 2021 leg break
The Dubliner has spent most of his UFC career at featherweight and lightweight but will meet Holloway at welterweight. McGregor stopped Donald Cerrone at 170 pounds in his last UFC win in 2020. He beat Holloway by unanimous decision when the two met at featherweight in 2013.
Holloway enters as the betting favourite given McGregor's lengthy layoff. McGregor told The Mac Life he feels "absolutely amazing, stellar" and that his training has given him a confidence that does not require a media blitz. His last welterweight appearance came in the Cerrone fight more than six years ago.
The UFC 329 card airs live from Las Vegas with the main event scheduled for five rounds. Weigh-ins are set for July 10.
Original reporting:
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