Paddy Pimblett picks Conor McGregor to KO Max Holloway at UFC 329

Paddy Pimblett expects to witness a Conor McGregor knockout when he competes on the UFC 329 card next month in Las Vegas.

The lightweight contender told UFC on TNT Sports he favours McGregor to stop Max Holloway in their July 11 welterweight rematch, bucking the consensus view that the Irishman is past his peak. "Because it's at welterweight, I see Conor knocking Max out," Pimblett said, per MMA Mania. "Everyone's counting Conor out."

Why Pimblett thinks welterweight favours McGregor

Pimblett acknowledged that Holloway's durability and recent activity give him an edge in the later rounds, but argued the move up two weight classes works against the former featherweight champion. He pointed to Holloway's frame looking small against lightweight opponents like Charles Oliveira as evidence the size gap will prove too much at 170 pounds. McGregor has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

Oddsmakers have installed Holloway as the favourite, crediting his cage time and the fact he has never been stopped. Pimblett fights Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event that night. Weigh-ins are scheduled for July 10.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Video! Paddy Pimblett Picks Conor McGregor To Knock Out Max Holloway At UFC 329 | MMA Mania