Max Holloway would rather have a competitive clash with Conor McGregor than a one-sided victory.

Holloway will get his chance at revenge when he meets the former two-division UFC champion on Saturday. “Blessed†fell short against McGregor all the way back in 2013, and the two will collide again in the UFC 329 headliner. Holloway is the betting favorite going into his welterweight debut, but some feel McGregor's punching power and experience at 170 pounds must be taken into account.

Speaking to reporters during UFC 329 media day, Holloway initially said his goal was to give McGregor a beatdown. He has changed his mind in hopes of securing a trilogy fight (via MMAFighting).

“I'm going in there and put paws on him,†Holloway said. “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.â€

Holloway understands the magnitude of sharing the Octagon with McGregor, as well as how rare a moment like this is in MMA. His main focus is to finally have a win over his old rival.

“It's huge,†Holloway said. “Who would have thought Conor was even coming back after what happened with the injury and with him and his other injury at a fight that he had, so it's just big. I finally get to right a wrong and I'm looking forward to it.â€

It would do Holloway wonders if he can have a stellar showing given that his last outing ended with a whimper. “Blessed†was defeated by Charles Oliveira in a BMF Championship fight that saw him get outgrappled for five rounds. If Holloway can get back on track against McGregor, it would help alleviate the sting of that disappointing outing.

How competitive do you expect Conor McGregor to be against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Saturday? Leave a comment below.

Conor McGregor is continuing to take aim at Justin Gaethje.

McGregor has never been shy in sharing his thoughts on other fighters whether they're on his radar or not. The “Notorious†one is making his comeback fight in the welterweight division, yet he has shared some harsh words for the newly crowned UFC Lightweight Champion. The Irishman recently told UFC on Paramount that he thinks Gaethje is “woeful†inside the Octagon.

During a UFC 329 media day session, McGregor spoke to reporters and Gaethje's name was mentioned. “The Highlight†recently appeared on “The Jim Rome Show†to express his desire to punch McGregor in the face. Never one to hold his tongue, McGregor fired back (h/t MMAJunkie).

“Join the queue, join the queue. There's a few,†McGregor said. “Yeah, look, he has the lightweight belt, fair play to him. Holloway put him face down, ass up, though. Badly, badly face down. I'm not even thinking about it this time. Will I go down to lightweight again? Also is another thing I'm not so sure. I fancy the triple crown, so less of the disrespect, you f*cking bum.â€

The next move for Gaethje remains to be seen, but he told Joe Rogan that he doesn't see himself retiring just yet. He also doesn't believe he will have another fight for the rest of 2026.

McGregor will need to stay focused on Saturday night. He is set to have his first bout in five years when he meets Max Holloway inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “Mystic Mac†and “Blessed†first collided back in 2013, which was long before either man reached their peak in the sport of MMA. McGregor won that fight via unanimous decision, but he suffered a torn ACL in the process.

Any chance we see Conor McGregor vs. Justin Gaethje before one or both men hang up the gloves? Chime in with your opinion in the comments below.

Former UFC middleweight king Robert Whittaker has committed to a
permanent move to 205. | 📷: Getty/UFC

Robert
Whittaker acknowledges the “risk and threat†of moving up to
light heavyweight in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ahead of his fight with Nikita
Krylov at
UFC 329 on Saturday, July 11, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,
Whittaker reflected on how power is among the most important
factors in the light heavyweight division, regardless of individual
skill level.

Robert Whittaker breaks down the dangers of light heavyweight
move

Whittaker, who has committed to a permanent move up to the light
heavyweight division, spoke about the challenging aspects of the
move ahead of UFC 329. The Australian highlighted that power is the
equalizer and that, irrespective of technical ability, almost all
strikes absorbed at 205 pounds will be damaging.

“You see, power is the ultimate equaliser, and I understand that,â€
the former UFC middleweight champion said in a recent interview. “I
understand that you don't… It doesn't matter how technical you are;
if you get hit hard by a heavy dude, it's going to hurt. So, I
understand the risk and the threat. That is the danger of moving up
to light heavyweight.â€

Nevertheless, Whittaker remains confident his skills will translate
to the heavier division.

“But I believe my skill set is champion level,†he added. “The
speed that I have, the physicality that I have, are at a champion
level, and I am going to bring them.â€

Whittaker is coming off back-to-back losses at middleweight, which
prompted the move. Krylov, his next opponent, is a seasoned veteran
and a natural 205-pounder. However, the Ukrainian-born Russian
isn't known for his power, relying on durability and grappling
skills instead.