Keys to Victory: How Conor McGregor Can Defeat Max Holloway at UFC 329

It’s a return that has been five years in the making, but Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback is seemingly nailed on. The Irishman will step back into the Octagon on Saturday, July 11th when he faces Max Holloway.

A lot has changed since the pair last fought in 2013. Holloway has cemented himself as one of the UFC’s greatest fighters ever, reigning as a former featherweight champion and the current BMF titleholder. McGregor, meanwhile, has branched out since becoming a UFC double champion, fighting just four times since winning lightweight gold in 2016.

That means many sportsbooks have the 37-year-old as an underdog heading into the bout. Nevertheless, many will back McGregor for success at UFC 329, and MMA fans in the UK who want to place wagers can find the best platforms to do so by comparing top betting sites like bet365.

But where might McGregor be able to capitalize as he looks to upset the odds? Although he might be a little rusty, the former champion still has several factors that could fall in his favor.

Make the most of the opening rounds

Throughout McGregor’s MMA career, one of his greatest assets is how explosive he has been in the opening rounds of each fight. Only three of his UFC fights have ever gone beyond the second round (against Holloway, Nate Diaz, and Khabib Nurmagomedov).

Considering his inactivity, it is especially important that McGregor puts the pressure on early. The longer it goes on, the more obvious the differences in conditioning will be, which will allow Holloway’s endurance to become a greater advantage.

Maximise the calf kick

If there’s a blueprint that’s been used against Holloway through the years, it’s been to maximize calf kicks. Volkanovski did this to great effect in their first fight, while Ilia Topuria also used his opponent’s stance to his advantage, launching ferocious blows to the lower leg to limit Holloway’s effectiveness on his feet.

McGregor’s array of kicks helped make him a threat from all angles throughout his UFC career, and he’ll likely dip into his box of tricks once again for his return. That will help keep Holloway at a distance, but might also limit how powerful he can be on his feet.

Use reach advantage to full potential

Getting into a stand-up fight against Holloway could be McGregor’s downfall, as the “Blessed Express” has proven to be one of the UFC’s best boxers through the years. Averaging just under seven significant strikes per minute throughout his career, hanging in the pocket with him is a dangerous game for any fighter.

But McGregor is no average Joe when it comes to striking either, and importantly has a five-inch reach advantage. The Dublin native can make the most of that range, minimizing strikes taken while maximizing damage inflicted.

Capitalise on weight difference with takedowns

It’s important to remember that the fight is happening at welterweight. Holloway has said that weight is just a number, but considering that McGregor is bigger in stature, that certainly tips the balance in the underdog’s favor.

That could see him deploy a takedown-heavy offense, something which helped McGregor win the first fight between the pair in 2013 after he injured his knee. Yes, Holloway’s defense might be better, with him defending 81% of takedown attempts throughout his career, but fighting at 170lbs will enhance McGregor’s power, which will allow him to bring his opponent to the canvas more effectively.