A lot of things have to fall into place before it’s a possibility, but Conor McGregor is interested in throwing hands with Max Holloway again.

McGregor praises Holloway, is interested in rematch

Holloway is coming off one of his most memorable and impressive wins to date, as he outscored Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Island 7 last weekend. Since Holloway outstruck Kattar by a 447 to -134 margin and won the fight by scores of 50-43, 50-43, 50-42, ‘Blessed’ has been receiving widespread, praise.

Case in point, while talking to The MacLife ahead of UFC 257, McGregor said this about Holloway (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I thought it was a solid performance,” McGregor said. “He fought an up-and-comer; he done well. I was actually doing an interview and he skateboarded by the window.

I was like, ‘Is that Max Holloway?’ He’s obviously hanging around, and fair play to him. He’s definitely in the pipeline for a bout against me.

I would happily rematch Max, and after a performance like that, he’s put himself right up there.”

When McGregor fought and defeated Holloway in 2013, he was still fighting at featherweight. Fast forward to today, however, and it seems clear McGregor has closed the door on making the cut to 145.

“He’s a tall lad,” McGregor said, before referring to Holloway’s decision loss to Dustin Poirier in 2019.

“He’s taller than me, so he could build up. He’s only fought at 155 once.

It was against Dustin. He was a bit out-powered, but he could certainly do it.

Against other lightweights? You never know. But the rematch would be 155, for sure.”

Could McGregor – Holloway 2 happen?

There’s no doubt that lots of fans would love to see McGregor and Holloway fight again.

Stylistically, the rematch has the makings of an outstanding bout, and you could promote it with the ‘who is the better boxer’ angle (as McGregor has scoffed at Holloway’s contention he’s the best boxer in the UFC).

But, as it stands right now, the chances of this fight happening anytime soon seem slim.

UFC President Dana White has repeatedly said he wants to see Holloway remain at 145, and he’s likely going to fight for the title in his next outing.

McGregor, meanwhile, is set to face Poirier this Saturday, and if he wins that, he’ll likely be tapped for a title shot at 155.

So, right now, it’s hard to imagine Holloway making the move back up to 155 in the foreseeable future.

If McGregor does reclaim the lightweight title, and if Holloway becomes the featherweight champ again and both men defend their belts, you never know. Maybe the UFC would look at booking a champ versus champ rematch.

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