Max Holloway thinks Conor McGregor might bite on slugfest if he points down: “He has the energy to do it”

Max Holloway believes Conor McGregor would be down to trade bombs if the moment calls for it on Saturday.

Holloway and McGregor are to collide in the UFC 329 main event, which will cap off International Fight Week inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The two shared the Octagon all the way back in 2013, and the rematch figures to play out far differently regardless of whether McGregor makes it 2-0 or Holloway gets some revenge.

“Blessed” is known for his signature point to the canvas to lure his opponents into a brawl. It led to a spectacular last-second knockout over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. When asked by MMAFighting‘s Damon Martin whether or not he sees McGregor engaging in such a brawl, Holloway sounded optimistic.

“For sure. I think he would if we get to that point, and he has the energy to do it,” Holloway said. “We’ll see what happens. If we don’t get to that point, that’d be great. But if we do, I think he is [down]. Why not? Maybe. I would say he would do it. I’ve got nothing but respect for the guy. At the end of the day, I’d say he’d do it, but we’ve got to factor in how the fight went. I don’t know how the fight is going. If the fight is competitive, I’d say for sure.

“If the fight is not [competitive], maybe not so. But there’s so many different scenarios, but my heart is telling me that he probably would do it. He’s back. His fans are there. People screaming for him. I think he might just push himself to go do it.”

Holloway wants to move forward from his disappointing outing against Charles Oliveira back in March. “Blessed” was outgrappled for five rounds in the BMF title fight, but he’s hoping to find the striking success that has defined his MMA career when he meets McGregor on Saturday.

Do you think there’s any chance Conor McGregor slugs it out with Max Holloway if he’s challenged to do so on fight night? Sound off in the comments below.