Conor McGregor is exuding confidence as his long-awaited return to the Octagon approaches. In a recent interview with Paramount+, the Irish superstar laid out his case for why he will defeat Max Holloway when they rematch at UFC 329 on July 11.
The rematch is a significant fight for McGregor, as McGregor has not competed since he broke his leg in a 2021 trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. Meanwhile, Holloway has remained active, going 5-3 and capturing the BMF title with a legendary knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Despite his opponent's recent accolades, McGregor remains unimpressed with his finishing ability.
McGregor believes history will repeat itself, but in a more devastating fashion.
"I sonned Max when I fought him last," McGregor told Paramount+ host Nate Burleson. "I plan on doing the same again in most devastating fashion."
"It's going to be a demolition," McGregor told Burleson.
McGregor and Holloway have already gone back and forth since the fight was announced, and both men are confident in their ability to win the fight (via UFC on YouTube):
McGregor on His Advantages
He pointed to Holloway's extensive time in the Octagon as a potential weakness.
"He's got the most time spent in the Octagon, which is eight and a half hours," McGregor said. "For me, I look at that and say, 'That means you can't finish people.'"
McGregor is also confident that the 170-pound weight class will heavily favor him, as this upcoming fight will be Holloway's debut at the weight.
McGregor debuted at welterweight back in 2016, which resulted in his first loss in the UFC against Nate Diaz.
McGregor, who maintained the encounter was "fully consensual," was ordered to pay Hand nearly $285,000 in damages plus substantial legal costs. In July 2025, the Court of Appeal dismissed McGregor's appeal "in its entirety," with three senior judges ruling unanimously against the fighter's arguments.
Hand, who attended the hearing, stated afterward, "This appeal has retraumatised me over and over again."
Beyond the Hand case, McGregor has faced a cascade of other scandals.
In July 2025, rapper Azealia Banks publicly accused the Irishman of sending her unsolicited explicit images via direct message, which she then leaked on social media.
Banks claimed McGregor threatened her, writing, "Don't be a rat cos all rats get caught," though the fighter has not commented publicly on the allegations.
Additionally, McGregor has been caught on camera punching a man in Ibiza, though no charges were pressed. He also remains under investigation in Spain over accusations from a woman who claims he punched her and threatened to drown her on his yacht in Ibiza during his 34th birthday celebration in July 2022, allegations his spokesperson has "steadfastly" denied
As Holloway continued to build his Hall of Fame resume, McGregor's legacy has become increasingly defined by his scandals.
