McGregor dismisses Holloway’s training ahead of UFC 329 welterweight rematch

By Karan Malhotra — 11 July 2026 — 3 min read

Conor McGregor has expressed his lack of concern regarding Max Holloway’s recent training adjustments in anticipation of their upcoming rematch at UFC 329. The highly anticipated welterweight bout is scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Holloway has reportedly brought in former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena to his training camp, a move McGregor believes will not be sufficient for their encounter.

McGregor, returning to the Octagon after a five-year absence, dismissed Holloway’s training efforts, suggesting they are not at the level required to face him. He made these comments during the pre-fight press conference, highlighting his confidence in his own preparation and abilities.

Anticipation for the Main Event

The main event on July 11, 2026, marks McGregor’s return to the UFC, where he aims to re-establish his position among the sport’s elite fighters. This will be his first fight in five years. Holloway, a former BMF and featherweight champion, is looking to avenge a previous loss to McGregor from 2013 and achieve another significant milestone in his career.

Their initial encounter over a decade ago saw McGregor secure a unanimous decision victory. Now, the two fighters are set to face each other again, this time in the welterweight division.

Holloway’s decision to train with Della Maddalena was reportedly aimed at enhancing his striking skills against an opponent known for strong boxing. However, McGregor remains unimpressed, stating that the training is not adequate for the intensity he plans to bring to the Octagon.

McGregor’s Comeback Mindset

McGregor’s confident demeanor has been consistent throughout fight week. He has repeatedly asserted his belief that he operates on a different level than Holloway and expects to demonstrate this once they step into the cage. His comments at the press conference reflected this unwavering self-assurance.

Beyond addressing Holloway’s training camp, McGregor also discussed the mental aspects of his return to MMA. His comeback follows a significant leg injury sustained in 2021, which kept him out of the sport for several years.

In an interview, McGregor attributed his readiness for another main event to his confidence and excitement for his job. He emphasized the deep internal work required to recover from such an injury, which he used as motivation for his return. McGregor’s comeback is a major talking point surrounding UFC 329, with many eager to see if his experience, confidence, and striking prowess will make the difference against Holloway.

UFC 329 Main Card Overview

The UFC 329 event features a stacked 14-fight card, with the main card commencing on Saturday at 9pm ET/6pm PT. The event will be streamed live on Paramount+ in the United States. In addition to the main event, several other significant bouts are scheduled.

The lightweight co-main event will feature Benoît Saint Denis, ranked number 5, against the number 6 ranked Paddy Pimblett. Saint Denis, fighting out of Paris, France, aims to solidify his position as a top contender, while Pimblett, from Liverpool, England, is looking to bounce back from a decision loss in January.

In a bantamweight bout, the number 4 ranked Cory Sandhagen will face the number 7 ranked Mario Bautista. Sandhagen, fighting out of Aurora, CO, returns after a title fight, challenging Bautista, who has won nine of his last ten fights and hails from Phoenix, AZ.

The flyweight division will see a clash between two dynamic strikers: former title challenger and number 4 ranked Brandon Royval, from Denver, CO, and number 6 ranked Lone’er Kavanagh, from London, England.

The main card will open with a lightweight bout featuring King Green, fighting out of Fontana, CA, who is seeking his fourth consecutive victory. He will face Terrance McKinney, from Spokane, WA, who has finished 17 of his 18 wins in the first round. The entire event, including early prelims starting at 5pm ET/2pm PT and prelims at 7pm ET/4pm PT, will be available live on Paramount+.