Conor McGregor forecasts Max Holloway retirement, rejects trilogy talk as disrespectful
"I find it disrespectful. I find it shows he is here for economic— the economics of it. He must not realize the danger he is in. I forecast Holloway's retirement on Saturday night, not a trilogy for cash."
About this episode
UFC President Dana White hosted a pre-fight press conference for one of the highest-profile cards in UFC history, headlined by the return of Conor McGregor against Max Holloway in a highly anticipated rematch. McGregor, the former featherweight and lightweight champion and first simultaneous two-weight world champion, returns to the octagon after five years away from competition. He faces Holloway, the former featherweight and BMF champion who holds the record for most significant strikes in UFC history. White confirmed the event has generated the biggest gate in UFC history. McGregor made several controversial statements, predicting Holloway's retirement rather than a trilogy bout and claiming Holloway copied his fighting style and tradition of carrying national flags after their first fight in 2013. The Irish superstar attributed his return to faith, revealing he slept in his gym during training camp and stating he has mountain-moving faith as a Catholic. McGregor declared he is in his prime and promised destruction, saying he could finish Holloway in 10 seconds but is also prepared for deep waters. Holloway countered confidently, saying he plans to drown McGregor and take the two championship belts McGregor brought to the press conference. The co-main event features British lightweight Paddy Pimblett against France's Benoit Saint-Denis, with both fighters promising violence. Pimblett received a massive reception second only to McGregor. McGregor also expressed openness to a Floyd Mayweather rematch under Zuffa Boxing and confirmed his desire to become the first triple champion in UFC history, though he acknowledged Ian Machado Garry could complicate those plans if Garry wins the lightweight title.
Key takeaways
- Dana White confirmed the McGregor-Holloway rematch generated the biggest gate revenue in UFC history during International Fight Week in Las Vegas
- Conor McGregor predicted Max Holloway's retirement on Saturday night and rejected trilogy fight talk as disrespectful and economically motivated
- McGregor claimed Holloway copied his fighting style and flag-carrying tradition after their first fight in 2013, suggesting Holloway built his championship success on McGregor's blueprint
- McGregor revealed he slept in his gym during training camp and credited his Catholic faith as central to his comeback after five years away
- McGregor stated he could finish Holloway in 10 seconds but is also prepared for deep waters, while Holloway promised to drown McGregor
- McGregor confirmed interest in becoming the first UFC triple champion and expressed willingness to fight Ian Machado Garry or rematch Floyd Mayweather under Zuffa Boxing
- Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis will fight in the co-main event with both promising violent finishes and Pimblett receiving the second-biggest crowd reception