LAS VEGAS — Max Holloway has long been known for staying composed under pressure, and words alone did little to rattle him. But by the close of the UFC 329 press conference, Conor McGregor found a way to crack that calm exterior.
McGregor, Holloway, Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis appeared on stage Thursday, though the spotlight quickly shifted to the weekend’s main-event fighters. McGregor repeatedly tried to bait Holloway throughout the session, but the Hawaiian fan favorite brushed off the verbal jabs with his usual poise. It was not until the final faceoff that McGregor managed to draw a visible response.
UFC President and CEO Dana White stepped in to oversee the staredown between the two fighters headlining the UFC 329 fight card. McGregor escalated the moment by grabbing Holloway’s glasses off his face, then leaning in and pressing his forehead against him. Holloway answered with aggression of his own, prompting White to separate them. After a brief exchange with security, Holloway appeared to offer a handshake, but McGregor swatted his hand away.
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Holloway could be heard saying, “What the…” before stopping short. Moments later, both fighters raised their hands and began feinting as security stepped in again. This time, Holloway kept his gaze locked on McGregor while being pulled back from the confrontation.
The matchup marks a rematch 13 years after their first meeting, when McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision. Much has changed since then. Both men have built careers worthy of Hall of Fame consideration, with McGregor becoming the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion and Holloway cementing his reputation as one of the greatest featherweights in the sport’s history. Their second meeting arrives at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas under unusual circumstances.
McGregor is set to compete for the first time in five years, returning to the same venue where he suffered a devastating broken leg in his most recent bout. Holloway, meanwhile, will make his welterweight debut after adding 15 pounds on relatively short notice.
