​Andre Pederneiras, longtime coach to Jose Aldo, recently broke down the highly anticipated UFC main event. In his assessment of the July 11 headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring Conor McGregor against Max Holloway, Pederneiras expects the action to stay on the feet. Speaking to Sherdog, he avoided picking sides, saying the only wager he’s willing to make is that the fight will stay a pure striking affair.
The McGregor vs. Holloway rematch marks 13 years since their first meeting, with both fighters eager to prove themselves once again on a big stage. Pederneiras, who has prepared both men for big moments inside the Octagon, offered his read on how the fight could unfold. He believes McGregor may hold the early edge due to his elite knockout power. There has been a long-standing belief that Holloway can absorb punishment and keep coming, a reputation reinforced by his durable chin. Yet Pederneiras notes that recent performances, including highly contested bouts, suggest that Holloway’s ability to withstand damage and push a relentless pace could become a decisive factor as the fight progresses.
If the bout extends beyond the second round, the Brazilian coach suggests Holloway could gain the upper hand. Holloway’s cardio and endurance have long been celebrated as among the best in the sport, and Pederneiras argues that his superior gas tank could tilt the contest in his favor late, especially if the pace remains high and the exchanges stay standing. This perspective factors in Holloway’s experience at the championship level and his proven stamina against top-tier competition.
While Pederneiras declines to declare a favorite outright, he emphasizes that the matchup is likely to stay predominantly on the feet. His reasoning centers on the fighters’ preferences and styles, both of whom tend to avoid grappling and rely on their striking repertoires. “The only bet I’d make on this fight is that it stays standing, since neither fighter is fond of grappling,” he commented to Sherdog. This sentiment aligns with the general expectation that both McGregor and Holloway will lean into their striking exchanges, rather than engaging in a clinch-heavy or wrestling-heavy game plan.
Pederneiras’s analysis comes with a veteran’s eye for how a McGregor-Holloway clash can unfold. Having previously trained for both headliners at UFC 329, he recognizes the delicate balance between power and pace, as well as the strategic shifts that can occur as a fight unfolds. He notes that McGregor’s early advantage could hinge on his speed and precision, enabling him to land decisive strikes before Holloway can settle into a rhythm. Conversely, Holloway’s ability to sustain a high-output attack and absorb hits could gradually tilt the momentum in his favor as the bout progresses toward the later rounds.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the two former champions collide in an event that promises a striking-focused battle. Pederneiras’s take adds an insightful layer to the excitement surrounding UFC 329, underscoring the potential for an action-packed, stand-and-trade affair that could hinge on who can impose their pace and who can endure through the later rounds. With the stage set for a high-stakes, high-volume exchange, both fighters will be looking to make a definitive statement in a career-defining moment at the famous Las Vegas arena.