After five years away from the Octagon, Conor McGregor is finally set to return at UFC 329, where he will face Max Holloway in a highly anticipated rematch.
The first time they fought, McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision despite tearing his ACL during the bout. A lot has changed since then. Holloway has gone on to become one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history and one of the promotion’s best boxers, while McGregor has competed only a few times and enters the fight with questions about ring rust and inactivity.
Although Holloway is the more active fighter, McGregor still has the power and precision to end a fight with a single shot. To beat “Blessed” for a second time, the Irishman will need to use his strengths wisely and avoid getting dragged into Holloway’s high-paced style.
Here are five realistic ways “The Notorious” can get the job done at UFC 329.
1. Early Precision Knockout via the Left Hand
Conor McGregor’s most dangerous weapon remains his left straight, one of the most technically refined punches in MMA history. Holloway’s style is pressure-forward and high-volume, meaning he consistently walks into range.
That aggression creates counter-striking opportunities, and McGregor has repeatedly proven he can time fast-moving opponents.
A clean left hand landing within the first two rounds, before cardio and ring rust become major factors, is his clearest and most realistic path to victory.
2. Exploiting Size and Strength at Welterweight
At 170 pounds, Conor McGregor is a proven welterweight competitor. Max Holloway is making his welterweight debut after spending most of his career at featherweight.
The physical difference in clinch exchanges, cage work, and grappling scrambles could be significant. The Irishman can use his frame to smother Holloway’s combinations, disrupt his rhythm in close quarters, and force him to deal with a level of strength he has not experienced at this weight class.
3. Range Control and Surgical Volume Management
Max Holloway wins fights by overwhelming opponents with output over long stretches.
If “The Notorious” can establish and maintain distance with his jab, footwork, and timing, he can limit Holloway’s greatest weapon: accumulation.
McGregor does not need to match Holloway’s volume. He needs to be more accurate. Winning rounds through precise, selective striking while staying mobile could prevent “Blessed” from building momentum and allow McGregor to edge rounds on effectiveness rather than activity.
4. Disrupting Rhythm Through Grappling and Clinch Work
Conor McGregor’s wrestling and grappling are often overlooked as tools for disrupting opponents. He does not need to submit Holloway to benefit from them.
Timely clinch entries, cage control, and occasional takedown attempts can interrupt Holloway’s combination flow, force resets, and reduce his offensive rhythm.
5. Capitalizing on Max Holloway’s Vulnerability to Left-Handed Power
Max Holloway has shown remarkable durability throughout his career, but he has been hurt by powerful left-handed attacks before.
Conor McGregor’s southpaw stance naturally creates openings for his trademark left hand. By remaining disciplined and looking for counters rather than getting involved in prolonged exchanges, McGregor could gradually accumulate damage and potentially find a fight-changing shot, especially in the middle rounds.
Bottom Line
Conor McGregor’s most realistic routes to victory revolve around preventing the fight from becoming a volume battle. He must control distance, maximize his power and precision, and avoid allowing Holloway to settle into his trademark pace.
The opportunities are there, but they are most likely to emerge in the early and middle stages of the fight rather than deep into the championship rounds.
And if the fight reaches the final round, “The Notorious” would be wise not to accept any invitation from Holloway to stand in the center and trade shots.
The Hawaiian warrior thrives in chaotic exchanges, and engaging in a firefight could play directly into his hands. Instead, McGregor should stay disciplined, stick to his game plan, and avoid turning the fight into a brawl simply for the crowd’s entertainment.
Also read: The UFC Could Lose Conor McGregor Sooner Than Expected
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