Sean O’Malley Picks Conor McGregor to Knock Out Max Holloway at UFC 329

Sean O’Malley is letting his heart win this one.

With Conor McGregor and Max Holloway set to collide at UFC 329, the former bantamweight champion has given his prediction for one of the biggest rematches of the year. O’Malley admitted the logical side of him leans toward Holloway, but he still believes McGregor can produce one more violent throwback moment.

McGregor faces Holloway on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, more than a decade after beating ‘Blessed’ by unanimous decision in their first meeting. That fight came before Holloway became a featherweight great, before McGregor became the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion, and before both men became two of the most recognisable names in the sport.

Speaking on the matchup, O’Malley made it clear that he expects McGregor to start fast and look dangerous early. He said:

“I think Conor’s gonna come out there and look really good. I think he’s gonna surprise a lot of people. But I don’t know how long it’s gonna last.”

“My heart’s telling me Conor McGregor, my mind’s telling me Max Holloway.”

“With all that being said, I got Conor McGregor, round 1, 112-second KO.”

Check out Sean O’Malley’s comments below:

Sean O’Malley Admits Max Holloway Is the Smarter Pick Against Conor McGregor

That is the real story behind his prediction. Sean O’Malley is not pretending Conor McGregor is the safest pick. He knows Max Holloway is the more reliable read on paper because of his activity, durability, pace, and ability to take fights deep.

But McGregor’s first-round threat is still difficult to ignore.

At his best, McGregor does not need long to change a fight. His timing, pressure, distance control, and left hand made him one of the most dangerous starters in UFC history. If he is going to hurt Holloway, the early minutes are the most obvious window.

Holloway’s path is the opposite. He has to survive the first wave, extend the exchanges, and force McGregor to fight at a pace he has not dealt with in years. Once Holloway starts layering volume, feints, body work, and pressure, the fight could quickly become uncomfortable for the Irishman.

That is why Sean O’Malley’s prediction works. His mind sees the safer bet in Holloway. His heart still sees one more McGregor explosion.

At UFC 329, that may be the whole fight. Holloway brings the better long game. McGregor brings the one-shot memory that still refuses to die.

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Shehryar Edibam

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