Crowd Roars, Tempers Flare: Holloway, McGregor Turn Up the Heat at UFC 329 Press Conference

LAS VEGAS — Any lingering cordiality between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor disappeared Thursday as the two former UFC champions traded barbs during the official UFC 329 Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena.

Unlike Wednesday’s media day, Thursday’s event had all the feel of a classic Conor McGregor fight week. The Irish superstar was greeted with deafening cheers throughout the afternoon, while Holloway — typically one of the UFC’s most popular fighters — was met with an unusual chorus of boos from the pro-McGregor crowd.

McGregor embraced the atmosphere from the start.

With two custom Irish-themed championship belts displayed in front of him, the former featherweight and lightweight champion said they represented every record he’s accomplished in the sport before declaring he’s now chasing a third UFC title.

“These belts represent every record in the fight business. I hold them all,” McGregor said. “The OG champ-champ going for the triple crown.”

The confidence quickly turned into trash talk.

McGregor dismissed Holloway’s plan to drag him into “deep waters,” criticized the Hawaiian’s boxing and predicted an emphatic finish.

“I’m going to destroy Max. I’m going to eliminate Max,” McGregor said.

Holloway, however, refused to engage in an extended war of words.

The former featherweight champion smiled through most of the exchanges, repeatedly responding with the same message.

“We’re going to find out Saturday night.”

The two also revisited their first meeting in Boston in 2013. McGregor insisted Holloway “wasn’t going to lay a glove” on him then or now, while Holloway reminded him he landed a head kick during the fight and later predicted, “It’s going to be a long night for Conor McGregor. We’re taking him to deep, deep waters.”

One of the lighter moments of the evening came when McGregor was asked whose comeback was bigger — Oasis in 2025 or Conor McGregor in 2026.

After praising the legendary English rock band, McGregor unexpectedly sang a few lines of “Wonderwall,” drawing laughter from the crowd before turning the attention back to Saturday night’s main event.

Despite the verbal exchanges, Holloway continued to praise his opponent, saying he still expects the best version of McGregor and adding, “No excuses come Saturday night.”

The tension finally boiled over during the ceremonial faceoff.

After squaring off, McGregor reached over and knocked the sunglasses off Holloway’s head, prompting the Waianae native to step forward before UFC officials quickly separated the pair.

By the end of the evening, the tone of fight week had changed dramatically.

The crowd had overwhelmingly backed McGregor. Holloway, despite his popularity, embraced the role of the “villain”. The trash talk escalated, the faceoff nearly turned physical, and after 13 years since their first meeting, both fighters made it clear they’re ready to settle the rivalry inside the Octagon.

Holloway and McGregor headline UFC 329 on Saturday in Las Vegas. The main card begins at 3 p.m. Hawaiʻi Time and streams live on Paramount+.