It’s been five years since former two-division UFC titleholder Conor McGregor has made the walk to the octagon. His long-awaited return is scheduled for UFC 329 on July 11 in a rematch against former featherweight champion and former BMF titleholder Max Holloway.
In McGregor’s time away, Holloway has fought for the 145-pound title, the BMF belt, and for the lightweight championship. He’s been facing top tier talent in two divisions and former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, is concerned for the Irishman.
“Conor McGergor hasn’t fought since July 10, 2021. We’re looking at a clean five years come time. He’s 1-3 in his last four bouts. Doesn’t have the best luck against southpaws, Dustin Poirier, Nate Diaz. He’s taking on Max “Blessed” Holloway.
“Okay. Max Holloway, 27-9, 34-years-old in his absolute prime right now. He is 4 and 2 in his last six bouts. Last fight (loss) came from Charles Oliveira body locking him, taking him down,” Welch said on his YouTube channel.
“I’m pumped because we get to see “The Notorious,” the Godly Notorious. He’s coming back. He’s a big church guy now. Big church guy now, so that gives me a little bit of hope that he’ll make it to the bout. Now, if he wasn’t Mr. Church guy right now, I’d say that he’s probably not going to make it back to the bout. And I don’t know why they did this fight,” Welch continued. “The fight’s at 170. Conor’s been out for five years. half a decade. Not the best fight to make in my opinion.
“Max Holloway is probably, he’s one of the most slick guys. He fights southpaw, he fights orthodox. He’ll stomp your legs. He’ll teep your body. He’ll piece you up with his punches. Five rounds. I know McGregor and those guys were pushing for three rounds. Max Holloway is the king at five rounds.”
Welch doesn’t like the matchup for McGregor at this point in his career and questioned whether the Irishman has the conditioning at 37 to go five rounds with Holloway. McGregor will turn 38 three days after UFC 329.
“How will Conor’s cardio hold up? 37-years-old? And we’re jumping straight into a five-round main event against Max Holloway who is No. 4 in the world at lightweight,” said Welch.
“This is going to be a rough day for Conor McGregor. I’m a little bit worried about him. I really am.”