Conor McGregor has been told to 'frustrate' Max Holloway and 'land big shots' if he stands a chance of toppling his rival in Sin City, according to former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Woodley's Advice for McGregor
McGregor is set to end a five-year hiatus this weekend when he takes on Holloway in a 170lb dust-up at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The two stars first met 13 years ago in Boston, with the 'Notorious' winning on points. However, McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg in a first-round defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. Holloway has been largely active since then but comes into the contest off a loss to Charles Oliveira earlier this year.
While many expect Holloway to get the job done, Woodley has advised McGregor exactly what he must do to pick up his first win in six years. "If Conor comes forward, gets into Max’s head and lands some shots, then frustrates him, he has a good chance," Woodley told Betpack.
Woodley's Prediction
Despite the crucial tips, Woodley is rooting for Holloway and tipping the former featherweight champion to win. "I think Max is going to win. I’m not going for Conor," Woodley said. He added that if he were involved in McGregor's preparation, he would have him train with young, hungry fighters. "Conor said something about Ilia. He said, you train with these people that can’t even beat you, and you are not getting better. He said you need to put $1,000 down and say, whoever can knock me out gets $1,000. Basically, what he said is that you have to be in a room where somebody is pushing you. I agree with that."
Woodley also questioned the authenticity of McGregor's training videos. "Conor is giving us a lot of videos, but I can do five or six videos in different T-shirts and shorts right now of me training, looking like I am going apeshit and crazy and right back in it. It could all be cap. It could all be just to get you guys geared in."
McGregor's Comeback Plans
McGregor has been forced to sit on the sidelines for years but is now hoping to make up for lost time. He has two fights left on his UFC contract and hopes to get through them this year. "Yes (I would like my second fight this year). I wish for it this year. Now, I have said my peace (with the UFC) and they have said their peace, and let's just get through this one and I am fine with that," he told TNT Sports. When asked about a potential opponent for a second fight, McGregor replied, "Anyone, to be honest. Not particularly, no."
