Max Holloway Mocks McGregor’s UFC 329 Excuses After TKO Loss

Max Holloway has dismissed Conor McGregor’s explanation for their UFC 329 defeat after stopping the Irishman by TKO in only 69 seconds. Holloway said the bout was not affected by a slippery surface and mocked McGregor’s suggestion that the result should be changed.

McGregor was fighting for the first time in five years and entered the rematch expecting to dominate Holloway. His return ended almost immediately when he injured his right knee while attempting a flying kick. He tore his ACL and meniscus, repeatedly fell after the injury and was stopped by referee Mike Beltran.

After the loss, McGregor blamed the dry ice and smoke used during the walkouts for making the octagon floor unsafe. He said the conditions may have caused him to slip and damage his knee, and sought to have the defeat overturned as a no contest. McGregor later underwent surgery and began the recovery process.

Holloway rejected that account, saying he had shared the same mat but did not lose his footing. He also gave a negative assessment of McGregor’s performance, describing him as slow and old rather than capable of delivering the dominant victory he had promised before the fight.

McGregor has targeted a return during International Fight Week in 2027 and has presented it as another attempt to settle the rivalry. Holloway also expects to fight again in 2027 and remains open to a third meeting with McGregor.

The former BMF and featherweight champion said he would also accept a title opportunity at either 155 or 170 pounds. He has previous history with Justin Gaethje, the 155-pound champion, while Islam Makhachev is the champion at 170 pounds. Holloway said any of those options would suit him if the UFC does not book another fight with McGregor.