UFC champions divided over Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway as bold fight predictions made

Conor McGregor and Max Holloway are set to square off in a rematch that has been 13 years in what will be an early start for UK fans on Sunday morning.

The Irishman emerged victorious in June 2013 over Holloway in the featherweight division; now they will be clashing at UFC 329 as welterweights.

McGregor is making a return to the UFC Octagon after a five-year hiatus, when in his last appearance he had his leg broken in a defeat to Dustin Poirier.

Fans were once again left stunned by the 37-year-old’s comments to Alex Pereira at the press conference ahead of UFC 329, and they will have had their say on how they feel the Irishman will get on against Holloway.

Supporters are not the only ones letting their feelings be known, as several UFC champions have spoken about how the clash between the American and ‘The Notorious’ will go.

Jose Aldo, who was infamously knocked out by McGregor just 13 seconds into their fight in which the Irishman claimed the Brazilian’s featherweight belt.

Speaking to Covers.com, the 39-year-old said: “For me it’s a very competitive fight.

Artem Lobov was in the corner of many of Conor McGregor's biggest fights of his career, including his showdown against Jose Aldo. Image: Getty

“McGregor may be the betting underdog, but honestly, I think he has a better chance of beating Max today than he had of beating Khabib back then.

“The favourite is Max Holloway, not because he’s vastly superior, but because he’s still active. He’s fighting regularly, coming off strong performances and staying in competition mode. Conor is an unknown quantity. We haven’t seen him fight in a very long time. We don’t know where his conditioning, timing, or confidence are at. That’s why I put Max one step ahead.”

Meanwhile,

Dricus du Plessis has given his opinion on how the McGregor and Holloway clash will go, as he believes the Irishman could win by KO in Las Vegas this weekend.

He told Fight Forecast: “I’ve never ever made a secret of it. I’m a massive Conor fan, but I’m also a massive Max fan.

“You know, Conor started coming up when I was just starting out my pro career; his UFC run started. So, he was a guy that I genuinely looked up to as I progressed in the sport. Imagine this: imagine Conor beating Max Holloway and getting that title shot.

“I’m going with the Mac. I’m never going against him. I’m never going against Conor. Yeah. Max Holloway, massive fan, love him. He’s a great fighter, and he’s deserving of everything that he’s gotten and all the praise, but I can’t go against Conor.”

Sean Strickland lost his last fight to Dricus du Plessis. (Image: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Britain's Tom Aspinall 'impressed' by Conor McGregor

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has explained why he believes the American will suffer a defeat to McGregor in a video he posted to his YouTube channel.

He said: “I’ve heard a couple of McGregor interviews.

“I was very impressed with what he was talking about, how calm he seemed, and how focused he seemed. I know it’s just an interview, and it doesn’t mean anything, but he’s up against it against an active guy like Max Holloway.

“The thing is that power doesn’t leave; he needs one shot, and it could be over.

Tom Aspinall

“I’m more favouring towards a McGregor win, to be honest.”

Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley also posted a video to his own YouTube channel in which he detailed his prediction. And he's opted instead for a Holloway win.

He said: “So, official Conor-Max prediction? I'm saying 13-second KO. First round. Aldo two... Jokes! I don't know. I feel like Conor's going to crack him. He's going to look good. He's going to look fast. He's like, 'Holy s***, Conor's back.' But I do think those five rounds are going to play an issue, and Max might start taking over in the later rounds. That's what I think."