Translation result.
Conor McGregor (37, Ireland), the star who helped propel MMA into the mainstream, is set to return after a five-year absence. Right away he’s back in a marquee rematch against elite striker Max Holloway (34, U.S.).
UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 is scheduled for July 12 (Korean time) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event pits former two-division champion McGregor against former featherweight king Holloway in their first rematch in 13 years.
McGregor’s trademark is the pinpoint counterpunch. His left hand is precise, fast and heavy — among the best the sport has seen. He’s put away top names like Eddie Alvarez and Jose Aldo, controls distance exceptionally well and defends takedowns effectively. Still, cardio has never been his strongest suit, and the long layoff is a clear concern.
Holloway is a natural brawler who welcomes firefights. He was the opponent in Jung Chan-sung’s (“Korean Zombie”) farewell fight and has outstruck elite opponents such as Justin Gaethje and Brian Ortega. Even if his absolute peak may have passed slightly, he remains at an elite level and his conditioning is still a major asset.
The two first met in 2013 when both were rising prospects. McGregor won that initial fight by decision. Both fighters went on to headline storied runs: McGregor became the first athlete in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously, while Holloway captured the featherweight crown.
This rematch comes at welterweight, which should ease the weight-cut stress for both men. Holloway has been moving between featherweight and lightweight, and McGregor had already moved up a division before his hiatus, so welterweight could suit them both. Still, the added mass and McGregor’s long break may blunt some of the lightning-quick movement he once relied on.
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