Israel Adesanya says Conor McGregor might abandon his stand‑up game and wrestle Max Holloway when they meet again at UFC 329, a claim he made during a podcast with Demetrious Johnson. The former middleweight champion highlighted McGregor’s tendency to tire after heavy early rounds and suggested a grappling switch could tip the fight in the Irishman’s favor.
Why does Adesanya think McGregor could grapple?
Adesanya explained that McGregor’s aggressive style often leaves him drained by round two, while Holloway’s cardio remains relentless. “Conor might get tired, he goes heavy from Round 1, 2, but I don’t think Max is going to get tired,” he told Johnson. He added that a grappling approach could be the difference, especially since Holloway’s takedown defense showed cracks in his recent bout with Charles Oliveira.
What does the history between McGregor and Holloway tell us?
The two first clashed in August 2013, when both were early‑career prospects. That fight ended with McGregor tearing his ACL and resorting to grappling to secure a decision win – the only time he has truly leaned on the mat in the UFC. Since then, McGregor has built a reputation as a knockout artist, rarely venturing beyond striking exchanges. Adesanya’s analysis points to that lone grappling episode as a possible template for a comeback strategy.
How do the betting odds shape expectations?
Current odds list Holloway as a -235 favorite, with McGregor at +200. If the fight stays standing, the Irishman hopes for an early KO, but Adesanya warns that fatigue could hand the advantage to the Hawaiian. Should McGregor switch to wrestling, the odds could shift dramatically, given Holloway’s recent struggles against takedowns.
What does this mean for McGregor’s return?
Adesanya also hinted that McGregor’s ideal comeback opponent might have been Michael Chandler, noting Chandler’s long wait for a high‑profile bout. He argued that facing a volume puncher like Holloway straight away makes the fight tougher. Still, he conceded that “The Notorious” has a knack for rising to the occasion, even if it means stepping onto the mat.
When will the showdown happen?
UFC 329 is slated for later this year, and the McGregor‑Holloway rematch will headline the card. Fans will watch closely to see whether Adesanya’s prediction materializes, especially after McGregor’s last fight in 2021 against Dustin Poirier. The stakes are high, and the tactical shift could rewrite the narrative of a bout that began over a decade ago.
Key takeaway: Israel Adesanya believes McGregor’s fatigue and Holloway’s cardio could force a grappling gamble, a move that might reshape betting lines and the fight’s outcome at UFC 329.