​Max Holloway says he won’t simply aim to beat Conor McGregor this Saturday; he wants to win in a way that leaves the door open for a rematch later in 2026. Speaking at the UFC 329 media day on Wednesday, Holloway outlined a plan that goes beyond a straightforward victory, one designed to keep McGregor motivated enough to push for a sequel. “I’m going in there and put paws on him. I’m going to make him wish that he didn’t come back—actually no, I’m not going to make him wish that. I’m going to make him think that he can do it one more time so we can rematch at the end of the year,” Holloway said.
He framed the bout not as a mission to erase McGregor from the sport but as a contest that maintains competition and suspense, ensuring a second meeting remains a real possibility. Holloway’s strategy aligns with McGregor’s own timeline; the Irishman has indicated his final UFC contract fight could come in April 2027, a window that would fit well with Holloway’s rematch plan if things go as hoped.
Their first encounter came in August 2013, when McGregor won by decision after rolling to the win despite an injury to his knee during the fight and relying heavily on wrestling to neutralize Holloway. Since then, both fighters have taken divergent paths: McGregor ascended as a two-division champion and became UFC’s biggest star, while Holloway solidified his status as a dominant featherweight champion with three successful title defenses. Now, resuming the rivalry at welterweight, with McGregor returning from a five-year layoff, gives the matchup a natural, almost inevitable storyline to tell.
Holloway also spoke plainly about the financial aspect of the clash, pushing back against the notion that money alone motivates the fight. “It’s beautiful. I tell you this much, every single guy, fighter or non-fighter is saying I’m fighting for money. I’m a prizefighter, brother, this is what we do. If you weren’t fighting for money, you’re an idiot,” he proclaimed. The UFC 329 card is set for Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the event streaming live on Paramount+.