Five years after suffering one of the most devastating injuries ever seen inside the Octagon, Conor McGregor returns to action in a rematch with Max Holloway.
The event will take place on the stacked international Fight Week card on Saturday July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
The fights will begin at 5pm ET with the Early Preliminary Card, followed by the Preliminary Card at 7pm ET and the Main Card at 9pm ET.
Our article will give you our two best bets for the main event, as well as the current moneyline odds for UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2.
McGregor vs Holloway 2: betting picks and predictions
Over 1.5 rounds (-190)
McGregor (22-6-0) and Holloway (27-9-0) meet for the second time, 13 years after the Irishman won a three round decision, despite tearing his ACL in the second round.
McGregor’s inactivity is a key consideration, with his last bout coming in July 2021, when he snapped his ankle in the first round of his trilogy match with Dustin Poirier.
The 37-year-old’s rise to crossover superstardom following his 2017 crossover boxing fight with Floyd Mayweather JR, has seen him fight in the Octagon just four times in 10 years, with a 1-3 record.
Holloway has fought eight times since McGregor’s last outing, with a 5-3 record, including three fights at 155lbs.
The Hawaiian has 11 UFC KO/TKO finishes from 23 UFC wins, including a spectacular final-second KO of now Lightweight champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
Eight of McGregor’s 10 wins have come via KO/TKO, with his trademark power left hand often a significant equaliser in his contests.
McGregor looks in fantastic shape for his return and while we do not know how he will look on fight night, expect Holloway to be evasive early and look to drag him into deep waters.
Max Holloway to win via KO, TKO or Decision (-230)
If McGregor were to get his hand raised it would represent one of the greatest comeback stories in combat sports history.
A victory would likely have to come via knockout, however only Ilia Topuria has been able to finish Holloway in this manner.
Since McGregor last fought, Holloway has racked up 171 minutes and 56 seconds of Octagon time, notably absorbing 805 significant strikes in some gruelling battles.
McGregor will gain confidence from coming in fresh and from the bout being made at 170lbs, where he secured his only win this decade - a 40-second knockout of Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone.
Holloway is a debutant in this weight class and spent time building his frame to 155lbs ahead of his fight with Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, after a previously unsuccessful quick jump to the weight in 2019 against Dustin Poirier.
The 34-year-old was outgrappled by Charles Oliveira in March, a similar tactic employed by McGregor following the injury he suffered during their first bout in 2013.
Despite that defeat, Holloway has cemented himself as one of the top Lightweights in the world with his win and dominant performance against the now champion particularly eye-catching.
Five years without a competitive bout makes McGregor somewhat of an unknown quantity and although he looks in great shape, Holloway’s recent track record and undeniable gas tank gives him a significant edge.
UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 odds
Conor McGregor | Max Holloway | |
Moneyline | +170 | -205 |
By Decision or Technical Decision | +1200 | +575 |
By KO, TKO or DQ | +220 | -115 |
By Submission | +2800 | +1200 |
Total Rounds | Over | Under |
1.5 | -190 | +150 |
2.5 | +110 | -140 |
3.5 | +185 | -245 |
4.5 | +300 | -425 |
Fight To Go The Distance | Yes | No |
+375 | -550 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
