McGregor declares himself 'in my prime' ahead of UFC 329 return against Holloway

Conor McGregor has declared himself at the peak of his powers ahead of his first UFC appearance in five years, with the Irishman set to rematch Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11.

Speaking to The Mac Life five days out from the fight, McGregor reflected on the gruesome leg break he suffered in his 2021 trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier and said he feels “ecstatic” to be competing again after being “gifted this ability to walk, pursuing my craft.”

“I feel there’s so much left for me to conquer in this game,” McGregor said. “More belts, more knockouts, more records, more cash. I am taking everything of what I have built. The fight game in the combat sports world is McGregor’s world. And I’m in my prime here now.”

McGregor and Holloway first met in 2013 — McGregor’s second octagon appearance — with the Dubliner winning a decision. Both men were young and carrying injuries into that contest. They return now as experienced former champions with very different recent records.

Holloway has remained active in the intervening years, going 5-3 in UFC bouts since McGregor last competed, challenging for titles at both featherweight and lightweight. His most recent outing ended in a decision defeat to Charles Oliveira, who claimed the BMF belt.

McGregor, meanwhile, is framing the stylistic contrast as the central story of the rematch. “They’ve fought him a certain way, and it’s gone a certain way,” he said of Holloway’s recent opponents. “So now returns McGregor to show once again the level and the difference. That’s it. It’s a masterpiece on July 11th. A McGregor masterpiece.”

The 36-year-old also pushed back on the idea that his abilities are rooted in natural talent. “I am of the belief that there is no such thing as talent,” he said. “What I possess, this is not talent. I’m not talented, I’m obsessed. I’m a lot more experienced, but as well as that I’m a lot more skilled in all of the facets of martial arts. You do not want to be anywhere inside that octagon with me.”

McGregor said preparations have been conducted at Straight Blast Gym Ireland, with a deliberate focus on discipline over ego. “Working hard, same thing every day. With no ego, we leave our ego at the door. We’re learning, working our shots, and preparing ourselves for main event slots.”

UFC 329 marks McGregor’s first competitive appearance since July 2021.