Max Holloway wasted little time dismissing Conor McGregor’s recent comments about their July clash, labeling the Irish star delusional for pointing to outside factors after a short night inside the Octagon.
The Hawaiian lightweight contender secured a first-round TKO victory at UFC 329 when McGregor tore his right ACL early in the main event. The bout ended almost as soon as it began, leaving both fighters and fans with an incomplete picture of what might have unfolded over five rounds.
McGregor later suggested the canvas felt slippery because of dry ice effects used during the event production. He also referenced the idea of a generational beating in discussions surrounding the matchup.
Holloway addressed those remarks directly during a recent appearance on his YouTube channel. He pushed back hard against the explanations offered by his longtime rival.
“It’s just crazy for the dude to be talking about how it was slippery because of the dry ice. I don’t know what he’s talking about because I didn’t fall. Him talking about this ‘generational beating’. Dude is delusional because to me, he felt slow in there. He looked old. If there was gonna be a generational beating, it wasn’t gonna be on his end,” Holloway said.
The former featherweight champion made clear he saw a different version of McGregor than the one who once dominated the sport. From Holloway’s perspective, the Irishman appeared slower and older than in previous outings, which shaped how the Hawaiian viewed the brief encounter.
Their history stretches back more than a decade. McGregor earned a decision win over Holloway in 2013 during the early stages of both careers. The rematch at UFC 329 carried heavy anticipation as McGregor returned after a lengthy absence.
Holloway has expressed interest in settling the score more completely. He has talked openly about wanting a trilogy bout once McGregor recovers from the ACL surgery required after the injury.
That potential third meeting would likely take place in 2027, given the typical recovery timeline for such an injury. Holloway understands the business side of the sport and the large payday that comes with facing one of MMA’s biggest names again.
At the same time, questions remain about how the UFC might handle Holloway’s schedule. The organization continues to search for strong headliners for its major numbered events, and a healthy Holloway represents a reliable drawing card.
Some observers wonder whether officials would prefer to keep him active rather than allow a full year on the sidelines waiting for McGregor. Pairings against other top lightweights, such as Paddy Pimblett, have been discussed as possible interim options.
A rematch with Ilia Topuria at lightweight has also entered the conversation in some circles. Topuria previously stopped Holloway, and a second meeting could generate significant interest while McGregor rehab progresses.
Holloway has stayed relatively quiet on exact next steps beyond the desire for another crack at McGregor. His comments about the excuses, however, show he remains engaged with the narrative surrounding their most recent meeting.
The exchange adds another chapter to a rivalry that has spanned years and weight classes. McGregor built much of his early reputation on sharp striking and confident predictions, while Holloway carved out a reputation for volume, durability and consistency.
For now, McGregor focuses on recovery. Holloway continues training and evaluating opportunities that keep him in the title picture or near it. The Hawaiian made his feelings plain: the excuses do not land with him, and the version of McGregor he faced that night did not match the lore.
Whether the trilogy materializes depends on healing, scheduling and mutual willingness. Holloway has signaled he remains ready when the time comes. Until then, his blunt assessment of the excuses stands as the latest public word in their ongoing story.
