Conor McGregor and Max Holloway have a long and storied history. Back when McGregor was young, hungry, and on his way to becoming the biggest superstar this sport has ever seen, he fought and defeated Holloway. This bout was contested on a Fight Night card no less, back in 2013, when both men were on the come-up. And while the Irishman’s career trajectory is on a sharp downward trend, Holloway stands on the cusp of becoming the featherweight GOAT.

But the Irishman, it seems, still fancies his chances against Holloway. Speaking before the UFC 308 weigh-ins, McGregor felt that a lot would depend on how Holloway looks at the weigh-ins after putting his body through a weight cut.

“I look forward to the weigh-ins for Holloway. You know, he looked great at 155 pounds, won the BMF title and now he’s gone back down to 145 pounds. It’s tough. I’ve done it… Sometimes he looks a bit drained and drawn out, and then other times he looks solid. So I look forward to the weigh-ins for him where he can fuel up and begin to rehydrate and be big and fresh again. And I’m sure he looks forward to it himself,” McGregor said.

But if Holloway makes weight without any issues (which ‘Blessed’ indeed did), ‘Mac’ predicted that the former champion will beat Ilia Topuria, perhaps via knockout. But more importantly, McGregor sees that as an opportunity for himself to fight for the 145-pound title not too far in the future.

“And then it’s an interesting bout. Ilia will need to rely on his wrestling at some stage and that won’t be a good look for the crowd. That won’t be a good look at how he is speaking. I fancy Holloway to catch him. Good fight, I look forward to it, my own world title,” ‘Mac’ declared.

McGregor, of course, hasn’t fought for the past three years. Not that he was winning much when he was active. Now, he is desperately waiting for a comeback bout which the UFC seems to be dragging its feet on for whatever reason. Not to mention he hasn’t fought at 145lbs since dethroning Jose Aldo back in 2015 at UFC 194. That is why despite his claims, it is unlikely that ‘Mac’ gets a featherweight title shot anytime soon, or maybe ever, and not because of his performance or atrocious recent form.

Conor McGregor’s comeback may have to wait until mid-2025

Even if Conor McGregor comes back and looks better than even in his prime, there is a huge question mark whether ‘Mac’ can even drop down to featherweight after nearly nine years and with a drastic change in his physique. Not to mention McGregor looked ghastly, all skin and bones when he used to cut down to 145lbs all those years ago.

And at 36 years of age combined with not leading the healthiest lifestyle, it may be outright dangerous for him to even try. But then again it is Conor McGregor and he says a lot of things, many of which have a tenuous connection to reality. For now, however, the Irishman is waiting for the UFC to take a call on who and when he fights next.

‘The Notorious’ has floated the name of #6 ranked lightweight Dan Hooker for February, but again, that’s just an idea that the UFC may or may not agree to. What is particularly worrying is that Michael Chandler, who waited for over a year to fight him, has moved on, saying he doesn’t expect the Dubliner to fight before mid-2025. What are your thoughts on Conor McGregor’s prediction for Topuria-Holloway? Will we ever see him in action again?