One of the most anticipated events in mixed martial arts will be held on July 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA. Widely referred to as UFC 329: Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2, the bout is a long-awaited rematch of their first meeting in August 2013.
13 years ago, at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs Sonnen, McGregor, appearing for the second time in the most prestigious promotion, won by unanimous decision. That bout remains unique in McGregor’s career. Competing in the UFC featherweight division, it was the only time he failed to finish an opponent, with the outcome ultimately decided by the judges’ scorecards. Moreover, McGregor spent the second half of the fight with a severe injury – a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Back then, both athletes were brash newcomers just beginning to carve their way to the top of the fighting world. Over time, Max “Blessed” Holloway became the holder of the symbolic UFC BMF title and the UFC featherweight champion, establishing himself as one of the greatest fighters in the promotion’s history. The American also set several records in the weight division:
- Most wins – 20
- Longest winning streak – 13
- Most finishes – 11
- Most knockout victories – 9
McGregor’s achievements are even more remarkable. Conor “The Notorious” McGregor is the first fighter in UFC history to hold championship titles in two weight classes simultaneously – featherweight and lightweight. McGregor transformed mixed martial arts from a niche entertainment into a global phenomenon. Even people with little interest in combat sports recognise his name. Every time The Notorious steps into the octagon, it becomes a worldwide event. Since July 2026, one of the most popular MMA fighters has been a 1xBet ambassador.
Who’s the favourite?
McGregor is currently given a 34% chance of winning, corresponding to odds of 1653/1000. A Holloway victory is estimated at 49/100, implying a 64% probability. A correct draw prediction will multiply the bet by 50. Based on the odds, The Notorious is the underdog in this upcoming bout!
*Odds might change eventually
What to expect from the fight?
McGregor is one of the most dangerous fast starters in MMA. His devastating left cross has finished some of the sport’s biggest names, and an early knockout remains his clearest path to victory. The question, however, is whether he can withstand a five-round bout, given his lack of active fighting practice for the last five years and his recovery from the serious leg fracture he suffered against Dustin Poirier.
Holloway, on the other hand, is renowned for his relentless cardio. Blessed’s chin is called granite for a reason – he has never been cleanly knocked out in his professional career. The resilient American is capable of waging a protracted struggle in a single breath. If Holloway can weather McGregor’s early offence, he’ll look to unleash a barrage of powerful punches.
What’s at stake?
37-year-old McGregor has a great chance to prove that the sceptics wrote him off too early. A victory over an opponent of Holloway’s calibre would instantly put Conor back in the title race.
For Holloway, this is the chance to earn the biggest revenge victory of his career and erase the memory of his defeat 13 years ago. A win over The Notorious would finally cement Blessed’s status as the greatest mixed martial artist, regardless of weight class.
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It won’t go past 3 rounds…McGregor gassed out 5 year’s ago usually in the 3rd
He’ll be well out of his depth here unless of course it’s fixed…which is a strong possibility