Max Holloway gives his opinion on whether Conor McGregor would meet him in the middle for a ‘point down’ slugfest

Max Holloway is preparing to face Conor McGregor in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 329, more than a decade after their first meeting in 2013. Though both fighters dealt with injuries that night—McGregor suffered an ACL tear while Holloway battled a severe ankle problem—McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory. Now, as the two prepare to clash again, Holloway has tried to downplay the significance of that distant result, especially given McGregor's recent five-year absence from competition following a gruesome leg break suffered against Dustin Poirier in 2021.

Holloway approaches the rematch with measured respect for his opponent, choosing to prepare for the best version of McGregor rather than fixating on the layoff or his recent public appearances. The featherweight contender acknowledged that McGregor's time away could have cut either direction—allowing full physical recovery or resulting in ring rust. Holloway's last outing against Charles Oliveira was disappointing, making this fight a crucial opportunity to prove himself and potentially earn another title shot.

When asked if McGregor would accept a "point down" invitation to an all-out slugfest in the fight's final moments—a signature Holloway tactic that produced a memorable knockout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300—Holloway expressed confidence that the Irish star would accept if they reach that point with competitive energy remaining. He believes the stakes, crowd energy, and McGregor's comeback narrative make such a scenario plausible.

For Holloway, this fight carries immense weight for his career trajectory. A decisive, exciting victory could position him for a title opportunity, potentially at a higher weight class, while a loss sends him backward. Beyond winning, Holloway emphasized the need to deliver exciting action—a dominant performance or spectacular finish—rather than simply earning a decision. He views his role as both fighter and entertainer, and expects fans tune in specifically for that combination.