UFC 329: Aldo's coach makes sole bet on McGregor-Holloway 2

Andre Pederneiras has coached Jose Aldo through wars with both Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, but he won't pick a winner when the two featherweights-turned-lightweights meet again at UFC 329 on July 11.

The longtime Nova Uniao head told Sherdog the only wager he'd place on the T-Mobile Arena main event is that it never hits the mat. "The only bet I'd make on this fight is that it stays standing, since neither fighter is fond of grappling," Pederneiras said.

McGregor starts fast, Holloway's gas tank takes over

Pederneiras gave McGregor the edge in the opening rounds, citing knockout power that ended their first meeting in 2013. "Conor starts with the advantage, largely due to his knockout power," he said, noting that Ilia Topuria's knockout of Holloway last year dispelled the myth of an uncrackable chin. "However, I believe that if the fight goes past the second round, the advantage shifts to Holloway, thanks to his excellent gas tank."

The Brazilian coach has prepared fighters for both men at various points in their careers, giving him a front-row view of their tendencies. Neither has shown much interest in wrestling or grappling exchanges when pure striking remains an option.

UFC 329 goes down Saturday night in Las Vegas. Early betting lines have Holloway installed as a slight favourite.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Forget picking a winner at UFC 329: Jose Aldo's coach says bet on this instead