Conor McGregor has confidently asserted that he is the greatest featherweight of all-time ahead of his upcoming bout with Max Holloway at UFC 329. The former two-division UFC champion will make a stunning return to competitive action this weekend, headlining a stacked card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
McGregor's Return After Injury Layoff
McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg in a first-round defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021. He was scheduled for a comeback against Michael Chandler two years ago but withdrew due to a training injury. Saturday night's meeting marks his first fight in nearly five years.
The clash with Holloway is a welterweight showdown, a division above their previous encounter. The two fighters met 13 years ago in a featherweight bout in Boston, where McGregor won by decision. That victory launched McGregor's rise, leading to wins over Diego Brandao, Dustin Poirier, Dennis Siver, and Chad Mendes, culminating in a 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo to become featherweight champion.
Featherweight GOAT Debate
Despite his iconic status, McGregor never defended the featherweight title, moving up to lightweight and welterweight instead. Holloway, who later won and defended the featherweight belt multiple times, is widely regarded as a greater featherweight. Alexander Volkanovski is also frequently cited as the division's best, having beaten Holloway three times and defended the title numerous times.
McGregor disagrees with those assessments. “The greatest featherweights of all time … I’ve beaten these men and hadn’t been in the list,” he told ESPN MMA. “How have I beaten these men easily and yet be kept from the list?” When asked about his lack of title defenses, McGregor acknowledged the point but stood by his claim. “That’s a fair shout. I understand the reasons why. But you cannot get caught in all of this! What is the skill? Who is the best? Who is the greatest? Who was the best? It is me. The results show this. It’s not like the fights weren’t there, they were elsewhere.”
He added: “There were divisional changes. Originally, it was not me, there were fighters pulling out or things of that nature. So, I understand it but don’t agree with it. I’m the greatest featherweight since Bruce Lee, and Saturday night I will show it!”
Future Plans and Contract Status
The 37-year-old McGregor is eager to remain active, despite having only two fights left on his current UFC deal. “God willing I am back here next week and the week after. How many weeks is there in a year? 54? There you go. I could fight every week if it's a go. Before the injury, I had maybe three within the year. People do not recall that. I plan on getting busy here,” he said.
Regarding his contract, McGregor stated: “I wish for it. I'm the man in the arena. I'm the one that is making the walk. So, if I am the one who is pushing for it and campaigning for it, I am sure that is the case. Now, I have said my peace with the UFC and their staging of my bouts. And they have said their peace, and it's kind of fallen on let it happen on Saturday night and let's talk, and I am fine with that. Two fights left on the contract, it's still as is, this will then be one. So, I hope to keep going and I am optimistic that will be the case.”
