Max Holloway is back in the gym, but there's a catch—he's training for a fight that doesn't officially exist yet. The former UFC featherweight champion is preparing for a highly anticipated rematch against Conor McGregor, expected to headline UFC 329 during International Fight Week this July at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. But without a signed contract, Holloway is taking a leap of faith.
"It sucks," Holloway admitted to UFC on Paramount+. "You don't have anything signed, so training camp looks like a regular one without a contract. My head space is good, though. I know when I want to fight, where we want to fight, and why. So I'm just getting in the gym and getting it done."
This isn't the first time a fighter has been left waiting on McGregor. Michael Chandler learned that lesson the hard way, sitting idle for months as the Irishman's return kept getting delayed. Holloway, however, is choosing to stay focused rather than frustrated.
The 34-year-old Holloway first faced McGregor back in 2013 at UFC Fight Night 26, long before either man became a global superstar. McGregor won that featherweight bout by unanimous decision, though he left the cage with a torn ACL. Now, more than a decade later, Holloway sees a chance at redemption.
"I'd love to get him back," Holloway said. "With all this talk of him coming back, and everybody talking about how serious he actually is, it looks like he's training and really wants to return. It's exciting. He looks super hungry. He just did a boxing exhibition recently, which was cool to see. I just want to get one back. It's a huge fight. Anything with Conor McGregor is huge, but having history with the guy makes it even bigger."
Both fighters are coming off losses, but the odds heavily favor Holloway. McGregor, now 37, hasn't fought in five years and was struggling before his hiatus. Meanwhile, Holloway has racked up five wins in that same stretch, staying sharp and active. For fans of combat sports, this rematch carries all the drama of a classic rivalry—if the paperwork ever gets signed.
Until then, Holloway keeps training, waiting for the moment when "Blessed" gets his shot at "Notorious" once more.