Max Holloway walked away from UFC 329 with a victory over Conor McGregor, but the former featherweight champion does not feel the rivalry is settled.
Their long-awaited rematch ended in frustrating fashion when McGregor suffered a knee injury just over a minute into the main event at T-Mobile Arena. With the series now standing at one win apiece, Holloway believes a third fight is the right move. He’s been eyeing that for quite some time.
Holloway wants the deciding chapter
Speaking after UFC 329, Holloway said he is interested in running it back with McGregor once the Irish star recovers.
“I put this 170 work. We worked our asses here, especially after turning around so fast in that March fight, and to come back.”
The Hawaiian said he wants to experience the version of McGregor that had been discussed throughout the buildup to the fight.
“I want to feel that domain he’s talking about, that 170-pound Conor that he’s talking about. This different world. That’s what I want.”
Willing to wait until next year
Holloway is not rushing back into competition despite escaping the fight without significant damage.
He explained that family time is a priority after a busy stretch inside the Octagon and is comfortable delaying his return until 2027.
“As for me, I’m down to come back in 2027.”
“I know I came out unscathed – I owe my family some time: My wife and my son. That’s my focus.”
“You’re going to see ‘Blessed’ return in 2027.”
Holloway unsure about McGregor’s condition
The fight ended just 69 seconds into the opening round after McGregor charged forward and threw a jumping kick. The former two-division champion landed awkwardly and appeared to injure his knee immediately.
Although McGregor has publicly denied entering the bout with any existing injury, Holloway admitted he had questions after watching his opponent throughout fight week.
“Even him walking into the octagon, it didn’t seem like the same Conor.”
“He stood in there to fight, but I thought he would be a little bit more rowdy, a little bit more crazy. He looked like really, really calm, super calm.”
“I was like, ‘Oh wow. Let’s see how this goes.'”
“I knew he was going to attack me with something. It was that kick. It sucks.”