Conor McGregor declined to discuss future opponents, saying he wants to keep his full focus on Max Holloway with fight week underway. When asked about potential matchups with Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, or Paddy Pimblett, McGregor acknowledged the options sound good but insisted the task at hand comes first. He stated the work will be done on Saturday and everything else can be addressed afterward.
Conor McGregor made clear on Tuesday that his attention is locked entirely on Max Holloway ahead of UFC 329 this Saturday, July 11, shutting down any conversation about what might come next.
Speaking during fight week, McGregor was asked about potential future matchups involving Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, and Paddy Pimblett. He acknowledged the options sounded appealing but was firm that none of it matters until the job in front of him is finished. His message was direct: the work gets done Saturday, and everything else follows from there.
Holloway enters the bout ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth in the pound-for-pound standings, carrying a record of 27-9. The 34-year-old Hawaiian is one of the most prolific strikers in the sport, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He trains out of Gracie Technics and brings an orthodox stance and a 69-inch reach into the cage.
Should McGregor move past Holloway, the names floated around him represent significant tests. Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion and the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world, holding a 28-1 record. The Russian grappler averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and shoots 1.1 submission attempts in the same span, making him one of the most dangerous finishers in the game. Pimblett, meanwhile, sits sixth in the lightweight rankings at 23-4, lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute, and attempts 1.2 submissions per 15 minutes — a well-rounded threat in his own right at 31 years old.
Why it matters
- A win over the fourth-ranked Holloway would position McGregor firmly in lightweight title contention
- Makhachev, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, represents the division's ultimate prize
- Pimblett at No. 6 offers a high-profile, fan-friendly alternative with genuine submission danger
- McGregor's refusal to look ahead signals a focused camp entering one of the year's biggest cards
Saturday, July 11, 2026
