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SportsConor McGregor UFC return vs Holloway set; Du Plessis cites 'sneaky power'
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Conor McGregor is set to make his UFC return after a five-year absence, facing Max Holloway in a rematch 13 years after their first fight. The bout headlines International Fight Week, with McGregor overcoming a career-threatening leg break suffered in his trilogy with Dustin Poirier. UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis highlighted McGregor's 'sneaky power' and 'scary timing' as key factors, noting that Holloway was recently knocked out by Ilia Topuria. A tense press conference saw McGregor throw Holloway's sunglasses into the crowd. Holloway, coming off a loss to Charles Oliveira, expressed readiness for the best version of McGregor. The co-main event features Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett against Benoit Saint-Denis.
Source report
Dricus Du Plessis believes Conor McGregor's punching power will be the decisive factor when he faces Max Holloway in his long-awaited UFC return.
The two-time UFC champion is set to make his comeback during International Fight Week, ending a five-year absence from the octagon. McGregor and Holloway will meet for the first time in 13 years, following the Irishman's decision victory at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013.
The 37-year-old returns after overcoming a potentially career-ending leg break sustained during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier.
Press Conference Tensions
McGregor and Holloway had to be separated during Thursday's press conference after the Irishman threw the 34-year-old's sunglasses into the crowd during their face-off.
McGregor vowed to put on a memorable display in his eagerly anticipated return:
"I'm in my prime now and forever. Bring it on, Saturday night, you're going to see. You're gonna see violence, you're gonna see a ferocious man. I don't need to prove anything to you, it's myself I'm proving this to."
He added: "I find it disrespectful (that Holloway wants a trilogy), I find it shows he is here for the economics of it. He must not realise the danger he is in. I forecast Holloway's retirement, not a trilogy for cash."
Du Plessis on McGregor's Key Weapon
Speaking to Betway, Du Plessis backed McGregor to secure a winning return:
"Max Holloway, massive fan, love him. He's a great fighter and he's deserving of everything he's gotten, and all the praise. But I can't go against Conor. I honestly believe Conor has that scary timing - everybody that has fought him says that. And he has that sneaky power."
"Everybody that fights him says that when he hits you, you feel it. It just takes one. Ilia knocked out Max, so it can be done. I don't know what Conor is doing for that tank, but he needs to figure that out because Max Holloway does not stop."
Fighter Profiles
Max Holloway — The former UFC BMF title-holder beat Dustin Poirier last July but enters this rematch following a UFC 326 defeat to Charles Oliveira in March. The 34-year-old said he is ready to face the best version of McGregor:
"I believe him, he's doing all the right things, he found God, we're getting ready for a dangerous Conor McGregor."
Fight Card Highlights
- Main Event: Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway
- Co-Main Event: Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint-Denis
Liverpool lightweight prospect Pimblett looks to return to winning ways after his loss to Justin Gaethje, aiming to continue his rise up the lightweight rankings.
Source
Mirror - FootballWestern
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