Max Holloway targets UFC 329 win over Conor McGregor to force trilogy
UFC star Max Holloway believes he will defeat returning rival Conor McGregor in Las Vegas on 11 July to set up a blockbuster trilogy bout at Allegiant Stadium in December.
The highly anticipated welterweight clash will take place at the T-Mobile Arena to headline the UFC 329 card.
It marks a significant return for the Irish superstar, who has not competed since suffering a broken leg during a knockout defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021.
With only two fights remaining on his current deal, promotion officials have reportedly discussed scheduling the 35-year-old’s subsequent bout for April 2027.
However, the returning Dubliner has publicly expressed a strong desire to compete much sooner, prompting a bold solution from his upcoming opponent.
Stadium ambitions and contract solutions
The Hawaiian fighter is confident that a spectacular victory next week will force the promotion’s hand into booking an immediate rematch.
“He was talking about some contract stuff, how he doesn’t want to wait a year,” Holloway said.
“I told him, ‘Don’t need to worry, bro. I got you.’ I go out there and get my hand raised in some crazy fashion, poke the bear a little bit more, poke Dana White, and we do Allegiant Stadium in December.”
Overcoming promotional hurdles
The sport’s parent company, TKO, holds an existing agreement to host four annual events at the T-Mobile Arena, which could complicate plans for an alternative Las Vegas venue.
UFC chief executive Dana White has traditionally been reluctant to host stadium shows, though recent promotional moves suggest a softening stance.
The organisation successfully navigated a rare outdoor event at the White House last month, while White was recently involved in promoting a major boxing card at the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium.
Rebuilding momentum after setbacks
Holloway enters the octagon seeking redemption after suffering a comprehensive loss to Charles Oliveira in a BMF title bout this March.
Despite strong recent form that includes victories over top contenders Poirier and Justin Gaethje, the 32-year-old admitted his surprise at securing such a high-profile matchup.
“That’s when things happen, when it’s least expected,” Holloway explained.
“After beating Dustin Poirier I was like, ‘Bro, for sure, something like this should happen with him coming back, right?’ Nope. I got Charles. And after that fight happened, I was like, ‘Well, I’ve got to work my ass back to the title shot,’ and then this happens.”
Meanwhile, his opponent must overcome a prolonged period of octagon inconsistency, having secured just one victory in four UFC appearances since a lucrative 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather.