Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal and seasoned fighter Dustin Poirier, both familiar with Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, have shared their predictions for the upcoming rematch between the two UFC stars. The bout, slated for UFC 329 during International Fight Week, marks McGregor’s return to the octagon after a five-year absence and will be a five-round welterweight contest.
Masvidal expressed a strong belief that Holloway will dominate McGregor. In an interview with UFC on Paramount+, Masvidal stated, “I think Max smokes him like a brisket.”
Poirier, while acknowledging McGregor’s enduring power, also touched upon the potential impact of McGregor’s long layoff and injury. “I think Conor has the power. That’s not gonna [disappear],” Poirier commented. “No matter the injury, that is going to be there still. The timing and a lot of other things matter, but the power is gonna be there.”
Adding to his assessment, Masvidal highlighted the significant lifestyle differences between the two fighters. He suggested that Holloway’s consistent dedication to training and a more disciplined, family-oriented life outside the octagon gives him an advantage over McGregor. Masvidal noted McGregor’s extensive business ventures and a more extravagant lifestyle, contrasting it with Holloway’s unwavering focus on the sport. “It’s also the lifestyle,” Masvidal elaborated. “I think Conor lives a certain lifestyle we’ve all seen and you can tell it’s not for show and it’s really his lifestyle… Max lives a completely different lifestyle. I’ve never seen Max at the club drunk. You never see him in the headlines for anything bad. That guy lives a different life where he is in the gym, family, gym family… I think that’s gonna pay the biggest dividends. Cause you can be away from the sport for five years and come back like nothing happened, if you live that life.”
English Translation:
Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier have provided their insights into the upcoming Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 fight.
This past weekend, Dana White confirmed that McGregor will make his octagon return after a five-year hiatus to face Holloway again in the main event of UFC 329 during International Fight Week. The fight is scheduled as a five-round welterweight bout.
Given his extended break from competition, McGregor has been listed as the underdog by oddsmakers.
Dustin Poirier, who has fought both Holloway and McGregor multiple times, and former BMF titleholder Jorge Masvidal have now shared their perspectives on how this rematch might unfold.
During a sit-down with UFC on Paramount+, Jorge Masvidal suggested that “The Notorious” might have a difficult time against Holloway at UFC 329. He stated:
“I think Max smokes him like a brisket.”
Meanwhile, Poirier added:
“I think Conor has the power. That’s not gonna [disappear]. No matter the injury, that is going to be there still. The timing and a lot of other things matter, but the power is gonna be there.”
Masvidal further commented that the differing lifestyles of Conor McGregor and Max Holloway could favor Holloway. He pointed out that “Blessed” remains deeply committed to the fight game, has been very active in recent years, faces minimal distractions, and, crucially, trains daily. In contrast, McGregor has numerous business ventures to manage, enjoys a lavish lifestyle, and has only recently resumed his training regimen.
“It’s also the lifestyle. I think Conor lives a certain lifestyle we’ve all seen and you can tell it’s not for show and it’s really his lifestyle… Max lives a completely different lifestyle. I’ve never seen Max at the club drunk. You never see him in the headlines for anything bad. That guy lives a different life where he is in the gym, family, gym family… I think that’s gonna pay the biggest dividends. Cause you can be away from the sport for five years and come back like nothing happened, if you live that life.”
