Max Holloway: Will Conor McGregor Invite Me to a 'Point Index Finger' Duel?

The highly anticipated rematch between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor is getting ready to meet the fans in the main event of UFC 329. It will have been exactly 13 years since these two star fighters faced each other in the octagon, so it's as if an era has passed since their first encounter. In their first meeting, McGregor tore his cruciate ligaments in the second round, while Holloway had to struggle with a severe wrist injury. Despite all these physical obstacles, McGregor, who would become a future champion in two different weight classes, managed to win the fight by a unanimous decision that night. Therefore, the new encounter at UFC 329 offers both fighters the opportunity to cleanse not only a title, but also decades of pride and a career 恶性肿瘤.

While preparing for the rematch, Holloway does not hide his surprise at McGregor's constant reliance on the results of their first fight in 2013. The Irish superstar still hoping for mercy from that old victory is an extremely comical and meaningless situation according to Holloway, because in the more than ten years that have passed, both have fought legendary battles and practically reshaped themselves. Holloway explicitly states that there are no clear lessons left to be drawn from the first encounter, arguing that this historic match is nothing more than a nostalgic memory. For the former champion, what really matters is rewriting his own legend and thrilling his fans with his 'Mystic Max' persona in this massive showdown taking place on 11 July. He believes that this delayed rematch will be an extremely entertaining and competitive night for both fighters.

On the other hand, McGregor is coming off the longest and most difficult layoff of his career after suffering a horrific leg break in his third fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021. The Irish star, who has not been in the octagon for approximately five years, harbors thousands of questions in his mind during this absence. Naturally, it is expected that McGregor will repeatedly claim he is back and in better form than ever, but everyone is wondering which version of him will step into the Octagon against Holloway. However, Holloway is focusing more on the psychological effects of the injury his opponent suffered rather than this long layoff, and is doing his best not to underestimate him. As an athlete who has experienced countless comebacks in his career, he is also aware that a five-year period could be an opportunity to rest his body.

One of the most anticipated moments of the fight could be the final chapters if McGregor can stay on his feet and continue to resist for five rounds. Holloway hopes to relive that famous 'finger down' moment he had against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, where he signed one of the craziest knockouts in combat sports history. When it comes to the last seconds of the fight, Holloway's courage in brushing off the damage his opponent has inflicted and inviting him to fight in the middle is unquestionable. Still, Holloway notes that it is unclear whether McGregor's pride and fame will allow him to take that risk in the final seconds. However, Holloway believes that the pressure of fame and his fans in a competitive environment will push the Irish rival into this crazy brawl.

Although this massive showdown seems to be built around McGregor's return, it actually constitutes an extremely critical turning point for Holloway's own career. Following the disappointing defeat he suffered against Charles Oliveira in his last fight, the former champion is fully aware that he must prove himself in this bout. It is obvious that this fight is extremely important for both fighters and could turn into a do-or-die battle. Holloway wants not only to win the fight but also to put on a mind-blowing performance and a dominant victory. Because he argues that in today's UFC world, sometimes just raising your hand is not enough, and fighters must also perform and put on a show under the pressure of being entertainers.