Max Holloway (27-9 MMA) says he wants to beat Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA) in a way that’s competitive enough to set up a rematch later in 2026, adding extra commercial framing to Saturday’s main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I’m going in there and put paws on him. 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,” Holloway
Holloway also addressed the financial motivation behind the matchup directly.
“It’s beautiful. I tell you this much, every single guy, fighter or non-fighter is saying I’m fighting for money. I’m a prizefighter,” Holloway
The two first met in August 2013 at featherweight when Holloway was just 21 and Conor was 25. McGregor won by unanimous decision after injuring his knee, and leaning on a wrestling-heavy game plan to neutralize Holloway. However, Holloway comes in with much more recent experience having competed in eights fights over the past 5 years to McGregor’s 0, making Max the consensus favorite heading into their welterweight bout.
McGregor revealed the UFC wants to wait to hold off on McGregor’s final fight on his current contract until April 2027, but Holloway’s comments suggest he sees a possible trilogy bout by years’ end.