Ali Akbar Rosady
The highly anticipated return of Conor McGregor to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon at UFC 329 on July 11 carries unprecedented weight, extending beyond the conventional win-loss paradigm. Retired UFC contender Matt Brown has articulated a stark perspective on the Irish superstar’s comeback bout against Max Holloway, asserting that merely making the walk to the cage is as crucial, if not more so, than securing a victory. Brown suggests that another withdrawal could irrevocably signal the end of McGregor’s storied fighting career.
McGregor’s journey back to active competition has been protracted, marked by a significant five-year hiatus following a severe leg injury sustained in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. The incident, which occurred at UFC 264 in July 2021, resulted in a gruesome broken tibia and fibula, sidelining the former two-division champion indefinitely. Despite widespread speculation and McGregor’s own pronouncements regarding his return, the path back to the cage has been fraught with delays.
An initial comeback was slated for 2024 against Michael Chandler, a matchup that generated considerable buzz, particularly after both fighters served as coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series. However, that bout was ultimately scrapped due to a broken toe suffered by McGregor, further prolonging his absence. The subsequent period saw continued uncertainty regarding his fighting future, with no firm bookings materializing until recently. UFC CEO Dana White’s announcement of McGregor’s official return against Max Holloway on July 11 at UFC 329 finally provided a concrete timeline for fans and pundits alike.
However, for Matt Brown, a veteran of 29 UFC fights known for his gritty style and insightful commentary, the immediate concern is less about the outcome and more about McGregor’s physical presence. Speaking on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Brown stated, "If he doesn’t make this walk, I think it’s going to be unanimous agreement he’s done and he’s never fighting again." This sentiment underscores the fragility of McGregor’s current standing, where a history of withdrawals and extended layoffs has fueled skepticism regarding his commitment to active competition. Brown’s analysis suggests that the cumulative effect of these delays has created a situation where non-participation at UFC 329 would be interpreted as a definitive retirement, regardless of any future intentions.
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The implications of the fight’s outcome also weigh heavily on McGregor’s legacy, according to Brown. While the physical act of competing is paramount, victory remains a critical component for maintaining his status as a top-tier athlete. "If he doesn’t go in there and win, I think it’s going to be a unanimous agreement that no one wants to see him fight again either. Even if he looks good," Brown remarked. He elaborated on the distinction between continued viewership and a fighter’s competitive relevance, acknowledging McGregor’s immense star power. "That doesn’t mean people won’t watch when he fights again. That’s putting a lot of ‘ifs’ in there. He goes in, he actually fights Max Holloway, he loses, I don’t see anybody really interested in seeing him fight again. Of course, everybody will watch. He’s a big enough star, he could fight and lose the next five or 10 times and people will still watch. He’s a big enough star, that’s what’s going to happen, but the interest will wane hugely if he doesn’t make this walk and find a way to win. It’s a lot of pressure on his side."
McGregor, whose professional record stands at 22 wins and 6 losses, ascended to unprecedented heights in the sport, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold championship titles in two different weight divisions simultaneously (featherweight and lightweight). His magnetic personality, devastating left hand, and penchant for dramatic knockouts transformed him into a global sporting icon, transcending the boundaries of mixed martial arts. During his five-year absence from the octagon, McGregor has remained firmly in the public spotlight, engaging in various business ventures and maintaining a high profile. However, his identity remains intrinsically linked to his prowess as a fighter. His return now brings forth more questions than definitive answers, particularly given the caliber of his opponent.
Max Holloway, with a professional record of 25 wins and 7 losses, presents a formidable challenge. Unlike McGregor, Holloway has maintained an incredibly active schedule, consistently competing at the highest levels of both the featherweight and, occasionally, lightweight divisions. Since their first encounter in 2013, Holloway has evolved into one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. He captured the undisputed UFC Featherweight Championship in 2017, defending it three times against elite competition such as José Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar. Known for his relentless pace, exceptional striking volume, and iron chin, Holloway has cemented his reputation as a "known killer." His recent performances, including a thrilling knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, underscore his continued elite status.
Brown views the Holloway matchup as a significantly larger gamble for McGregor compared to the previously scheduled bout against Michael Chandler. "If Conor makes this walk, hypothetically, which he may — he could totally prove me wrong. I don’t think he will but let’s say he makes the walk," Brown commented. "Whether he wins or loses, I have to have some respect for Conor for taking the fight against Max Holloway. A known killer who has had a ton of success since last time they fought. If he goes in and makes that walk, that’s a gigantic risk for him."
The stakes for McGregor’s competitive relevance are stark. "I’m sure he understands what’s on the line for him. If he loses this fight, his relevance as a fighter drops dramatically," Brown explained. While McGregor’s celebrity status ensures continued viewership, a defeat would likely relegate him from the conversation of world-class contenders to that of a spectacle fighter. "We’ll watch, he could fight another 10 times, I’m sure everyone would watch. But his relevance as a world-class competitor, pretty much drops off the map. Any fights he does after that is kind of like influencer fights or something along those lines."
Conversely, a victory over Holloway after such a prolonged absence would drastically alter the narrative surrounding McGregor’s future. Beating Chandler, while a respectable win, would not carry the same weight as overcoming a highly active and top-ranked Holloway. Such a triumph would serve as a monumental checkmark on McGregor’s résumé, immediately repositioning him within the upper echelons of the sport. "If he goes in and wins, he puts himself back in the conversation of a top 10 guy," Brown asserted. The fight is reportedly slated for the welterweight division (170 pounds), a departure from their initial featherweight clash. "It’s at 170, so I don’t know if they’d talk about the top 10 at 170 or whatever. But the conversation is he’s a legit fighter still." Brown added, "Even through all the partying and alcohol and drugs and everything he’s done in the meantime, he came back and he beat Max Holloway. That’s a respectable thing to do. So I think this is a gigantic risk for Conor."
Despite the perceived high risk, Brown believes McGregor possesses a tangible path to victory, indicating that the UFC’s decision to sanction this matchup is not without strategic merit. "I can see the argument where you think Conor would have a good chance," Brown stated. He cited several factors that could favor McGregor: "For one, it’s at 170 and Conor has good power at 170. Max is hittable. He’s certainly a hittable guy. Conor has a win over him in the past. Max has been through the ringer. He’s got a lot of miles on those tires. I can see where you can make that argument where it’s not the worst [matchup]."
The historical context of their first encounter further adds intrigue. McGregor and Holloway first met at UFC Fight Night 26 on August 17, 2013, in Boston. McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory, despite suffering an ACL tear during the bout. While both fighters have evolved considerably since that time, McGregor’s past success against Holloway could provide a psychological edge.
However, Brown also acknowledged the significant advantages held by Holloway, primarily his consistent activity and durability. "But I think a lot of that is going to be dependent on Max. If he comes in, puts on the weight properly and he comes in himself and feels good and he’s sharp, it’s certainly a win for Max. He has the experience advantage. He’s been staying active in the last few years. So he’s got a lot of advantages, but I’m just saying I could see where they have the argument that Conor has a good shot here. I could see where Conor would see that, too."
The July 11 bout at UFC 329 is poised to be one of the most scrutinized fights of Conor McGregor’s career. Beyond the immediate athletic challenge, it represents a crucial juncture for his legacy and future in mixed martial arts, with his mere presence in the octagon carrying as much significance as the fight’s eventual outcome, according to industry observers like Matt Brown.
Listen to new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday with audio only versions of the podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.
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