Conor McGregor has been out of competition for a while, but he may be returning at the perfect time according to one analyst.
The biggest star in MMA history will make his comeback as the headline attraction at International Fight Week in Las Vegas, which concludes with the UFC 329 numbered event on July 11.
Topping the card, McGregor will face Max Holloway in a rematch that is 13 years in the making. Since the Irishman’s win in their first fight, ‘Blessed’ has improved significantly, becoming one of the greatest featherweights of all time and winning multiple title fights across two divisions.
Despite that, Kenny Florian thinks McGregor’s path is crossing with Holloway’s at a good time.
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Kenny Florian says Conor McGregor is fighting Max Holloway at the ‘right time’
The first-ever simultaneous UFC double champion was originally set to return in 2024 against Michael Chandler. McGregor pulled out of UFC 303 on late notice after breaking his toe in training.
The Irishman would have been more favored to have his hand raised against ‘Iron’ two years ago than he is now, ahead of the Holloway rematch.
Many are expecting the inactive star to be handed a firm beating in Las Vegas. In Florian’s eyes, however, McGregor is running it back with the Hawaiian at the perfect time.
“I do think he’s made a concerted effort at being diligent with his mind, body, and spirit,” Florian said during a recent episode of his Anik & Florian podcast.
“When Conor McGregor has traditionally done that, we’ve seen the best version of Conor McGregor. I think what’s probably even more worrisome in some ways is being out of competition for that long. The sport will pass you by if you’re not keeping up and evolving.
“However, I think Conor McGregor has been very honest in his assessment in himself, in how he’s approached the sport, how he’s approaching the sport now. I think he’s way more mature in what he’s saying, and those are really good signs.
“I also think that if you’re going to fight Max Holloway, you’re fighting him at the right time, and you’re also fighting him in the right weight class at 170 (pounds),” he continued. “Not that Max Holloway is small at all, but I think those are things that are slightly in favor of Conor McGregor.
“He’s also coming in as an underdog in this fight, which is also kind of a good…
2026-07-08 15:00:00
