​Max Holloway is fully embracing a new weight class as he readies for a high-profile rematch against Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on Saturday. After spending the bulk of his 36-fight career at featherweight, the former interim UFC champion is making his debut at welterweight, stepping onto the scale at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to confirm the shift. The 34-year-old has recently competed at lightweight, where he defeated Dustin Poirier to claim the BMF title before relinquishing it to Charles Oliveira in March.
McGregor, now 37, has not fought since suffering a leg injury in his 2021 defeat to Poirier. The Irish superstar has endured a string of off‑ring controversies, including court cases and missed drug tests, prompting critics to question whether he still merits the limelight in the sport’s biggest events.
The weigh-ins drew a mixed reaction from the crowd, with Holloway arriving at 170 pounds (12 stone 2 pounds) and McGregor just half a pound heavier. At the Friday news conference, McGregor playfully knocked Holloway’s glasses off during the face‑off, but the moment remained non-physical as the fighters locked eyes in a tense stare-down. After they were separated, Holloway delivered a bold parting message: “I’m ferocious, I’m relentless. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
The UFC 329 card features substantial British interest, including lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett, flyweight hopeful Lone’er Kavanagh, and featherweight contender Luke Riley. Pimblett and France’s Benoit Saint-Denis both weighed in at 156 pounds (11 stone 2 pounds), suggesting the winner could be in the running for a shot at lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett’s appearance was met with roaring applause as he bounded onto the stage, flashing a wide grin and urging the crowd to roar even louder during the face-off with Saint-Denis. Fellow Londoner Kavanagh, aiming to edge closer to a flyweight title shot by defeating American Brandon Royval, weighed in at 126 pounds (9 stone). Royval was one pound lighter. Luke Riley, hailing from Liverpool and undefeated in 13 professional bouts, will open the preliminary card against Kai Kamaka III, also weighing in at 146 pounds (10 stone 6 pounds).
Meanwhile, rumors have circulated over the past 24 hours about a potential boxing bout between WBA welterweight champion Ryan Garcia and British welterweight contender Conor Benn. The two fighters joined the stage alongside UFC officials as the scales were announced and face-offs conducted. The gathering also included four-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson, who signed with Zuffa Boxing on Thursday and joined the gathering to watch the event unfold.
Zuffa Boxing, an arm of the larger organization backed by Dana White and Saudi investment, is positioning itself as a major promoter in American boxing, aiming to rival established promoters in the sport. The high-profile event is designed to maximize visibility by leveraging top names, cross-sport intrigue, and the global reach of UFC and boxing collaborations.