Holloway completes welterweight transformation for McGregor showdown
Max Holloway debuts at welterweight against Conor McGregor at UFC 329, with British fighters Pimblett, Kavanagh, and Riley also on the card.
Max Holloway has completed his move to the welterweight division ahead of a rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on Saturday. The 34-year-old American has spent most of his 36-fight career at featherweight, but his last two bouts were at lightweight, where he beat Dustin Poirier to win the BMF title before losing it to Charles Oliveira in March.
McGregor, 37, has not fought since breaking his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021. The Irishman has since been involved in controversies including court cases and missed drug tests, with critics questioning his spotlight. At Friday's news conference, McGregor tore off Holloway's glasses before their face-off, but there was no physical contact. After being separated, Holloway said: "I'm too ferocious, I'm too relentless. I'll see you tomorrow night." Both fighters weighed in close: Holloway at 170lb (12st 2lb), McGregor 0.5lb heavier.
The event also features British interest: lightweight Paddy Pimblett (Liverpool), flyweight Lone'er Kavanagh (London), and featherweight Luke Riley (Liverpool). Pimblett and France's Benoit Saint-Denis both weighed 156lb (11st 2lb); the winner could be in line for a title shot against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Kavanagh (10-1) weighed 126lb (9st), with opponent Brandon Royval one pound lighter. Riley (13-0 as a professional) opens the preliminary card against American Kai Kamaka III; both fighters weighed 146lb (10st 6lb).
Additionally, rumors have swirled that a boxing match between WBA welterweight champion Ryan Garcia and Briton Conor Benn will be announced soon. Garcia and Benn stood on stage with UFC officials during weigh-ins. Four-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson, who signed with Zuffa Boxing on Thursday, also watched. The promotion, founded by UFC president Dana White and backed by Saudi funding, aims to rival established promoters. Last month, former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said a "massive announcement" from Zuffa Boxing and White is forthcoming.
