TLDR
- Ilia Topuria says he would struggle to predict a fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway
- McGregor defeated Holloway by decision in 2013, but both fighters have evolved significantly since then
- Topuria recently knocked out both Volkanovski and Holloway to become featherweight champion
- A potential McGregor vs Holloway rematch at UFC 329 has been discussed but not officially confirmed
- McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021 while Holloway recently lost the BMF title at lightweight to Charles Oliveira
Sources: Sports Illustrated | Bloody Elbow | ny fights | talkSPORT
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria recently shared his thoughts on a potential rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway. The current titleholder explained why he finds it difficult to predict the outcome of such a fight.
Topuria admitted he would struggle to make a clear prediction if McGregor and Holloway were to face each other again. The champion’s hesitation comes despite both fighters having extensive histories in the featherweight division.
History Between McGregor and Holloway
McGregor and Holloway first fought in 2013 at UFC Fight Night 26. McGregor won that bout by unanimous decision, marking one of his early victories in the UFC.
Both fighters have changed considerably since their first meeting over a decade ago. McGregor went on to become a two-division champion, while Holloway captured the featherweight title and defended it multiple times.
🚨| Per @arielhelwani, the UFC’s plan is still for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway to headline #UFC329 on July 11th and Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry to headline #UFC330 on August 15th. 👀📅 pic.twitter.com/hdSJe77BI3
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 27, 2026
Holloway has fought at 145 pounds for most of his career and remains one of the division’s top contenders. McGregor, meanwhile, has primarily competed at lightweight in recent years and hasn’t fought since suffering a leg injury in 2021.
Topuria’s Take on the Matchup
The Georgian-Spanish champion provided an intriguing perspective on how the fight might play out. Topuria acknowledged the unique challenges that both fighters would present to each other.
The prediction difficulty stems from the evolution both fighters have undergone in their careers. McGregor’s power and striking precision remain his calling cards, but questions exist about his current form after a lengthy absence.
Holloway has demonstrated incredible durability and volume striking throughout his career. He recently moved up to lightweight and captured the BMF title, showing he can still compete at the highest level.
Topuria holds the featherweight title after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in consecutive fights. His victories over both men give him unique insight into the division’s top fighters.
The potential UFC 329 clash between McGregor and Holloway has generated discussion among fans and fighters. However, no official announcement has been made about the fight taking place.
McGregor has been targeting a return to the octagon but remains in the USADA testing pool. He needs to complete the required testing period before he can compete again.
Holloway is coming off his BMF title win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. The Hawaiian fighter put on a dominant performance that ended with a last-second knockout.
Topuria’s comments reflect the unpredictable nature of matching two elite fighters with different career trajectories. The champion recognized that both McGregor and Holloway bring distinct advantages to any potential matchup.
The featherweight division continues to evolve with new contenders emerging regularly. Topuria himself represents the new generation of fighters making their mark on the 145-pound weight class.
Neither McGregor nor Holloway has publicly confirmed plans to fight each other at UFC 329 or any other event. The discussion remains speculative until official announcements are made by the UFC.
