Max Holloway Given Path to Victory Against Conor McGregor by Belal Muhammad Ahead of UFC 329 Showdown

Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad believes Max Holloway should initiate wrestling exchanges at UFC 329.

Max Holloway Given Path to Victory Against Conor McGregor by Belal Muhammad Ahead of UFC 329 Showdown

Max Holloway given advise to topple Conor McGregor (via Instagram)

Max Holloway remains one of the UFC’s most skilled strikers, known for standing and trading with elite opponents. The Hawaiian veteran now prepares for a UFC 329 rematch against Conor McGregor, who has not competed since his July 2021 leg injury loss to Dustin Poirier. UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad has now proposed a surprising strategy for Holloway to secure victory in the highly anticipated rematch.

McGregor built his career through precise counterstriking, powerful left-hand shots, and calculated pressure against aggressive opponents. He faced Holloway at UFC Fight Night 26, winning a unanimous decision despite suffering a knee injury. McGregor relied heavily on wrestling in the later rounds, controlling Holloway on the ground after his movement was limited by a damaged knee.

Muhammad built his success through relentless pressure, strong wrestling, and disciplined grappling, earning victories over elite contenders. Muhammad recently argued that McGregor’s welterweight frame could drain his cardio after five years inactive. The former welterweight champion believes Holloway’s durability and pace provide the advantage if the Hawaiian survives the opening minutes.

We don’t know where McGregor is… So for Holloway, I would definitely add in a takedown to wear on him, to get past that first three or four minutes. I think that first three or four minutes, McGregor’s going to come out hot… Now five years off, extra muscle, higher weight class, I think his cardio’s going to be even a bigger problem. So for Holloway, survive those first two, three minutes, even initiating the clinch, just stay away from the left hand. There’s no need, it’s a 25-minute fight.

Belal Muhammad via his YouTube channel

Questions about Holloway’s wrestling resurfaced after UFC 326, where Charles Oliveira captured the BMF title with a dominant unanimous decision victory. Oliveira repeatedly secured takedowns, controlled Holloway for over 20 minutes and completely neutralized his striking throughout the bout.

Despite those concerns, Holloway recently revealed he avoided wrestling during high school because he did not want to wear a singlet. The former UFC featherweight champion instead focused on developing his striking, believing that skill alone provided everything needed for success inside the Octagon.

This is not the first time Muhammad weighed in on a matchup involving Holloway. Before UFC 318, the Palestinian advised Poirier against striking exchanges. ‘Bully B’ believed the former interim champion should avoid making emotional decisions in his retirement fight and rely on a disciplined game plan.

Muhammad has frequently criticized McGregor, repeatedly pointing to the Irishman’s decline since reaching the sport’s pinnacle. He has maintained that although McGregor became one of UFC’s biggest stars, his partying and alcohol-related controversies created an unfair stereotype around MMA fighters.

Conor McGregor has promised a prime version of himself when he returns on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena for the UFC 329 main event. It now remains to be seen whether Max Holloway follows Belal Muhammad’s advice and targets the Irish star’s cardio to secure victory in their long-awaited rematch.

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Max Holloway demands equal treatment if he wins at UFC 329

Max Holloway has established himself as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history, building a résumé filled with championship success and record-breaking performances. The former featherweight champion now seeks another career-defining victory against Conor McGregor at UFC 329.

Holloway has made several bold predictions ahead of UFC 329, expressing confidence about his chances against ‘The Notorious One’. The Hawaiian superstar has also targeted an even bigger finish, aiming to surpass his iconic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Max Holloway
Max Holloway (via talkSport)

However, Gaethje now reigns as the UFC lightweight champion after capturing the undisputed title at UFC Freedom 250. ‘The Highlight’ has confirmed he will attend UFC 329, hoping to secure his next title defense against the winner of the highly anticipated matchup between McGregor and Holloway.

Many expect McGregor to return to championship contention because of his legacy and unmatched star power inside the UFC. The Holloway bout could also become his final UFC appearance. However, Holloway recently insisted he deserves the same title opportunities if he defeats the Irishman.

All I’m hearing on social media is that if Conor wins he should get Gaethje or Islam. Takes two to tango so my name better be in there for a title shot.

Max Holloway via FULL SEND MMA

The outcome of UFC 329 could reshape the lightweight title picture and determine the next challenger for Justin Gaethje. Whether McGregor or Holloway emerges victorious, both contenders believe a championship opportunity should immediately follow their highly anticipated showdown.

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