Paddy Pimblett explains why he favors Conor McGregor to defeat Max Holloway: “I see Conor knocking him out”

Paddy Pimblett believes Conor McGregor will have a successful return to the Octagon against the odds.

McGregor is set to have his first pro MMA bout since 2021. He’s scheduled to rekindle his rivalry with Max Holloway, who he defeated all the way back in 2013. McGregor’s return fight will headline UFC 329 on July 11, which will cap off International Fight Week.

The betting odds heavily favor Holloway due to his clear edge in activity, but Pimblett believes the weight class of the rematch could swing things in the opposite direction. “The Baddy” told TNT Sports that he’s leaning towards McGregor pulling off the upset since the fight will be contested at 170 pounds.

“Personally, I think because it’s at welterweight, I see Conor knocking him out,” Pimblett said. “Like everyone’s counting Conor out and think that Max is gonna win it. If it goes to the later rounds, yeah. Max definitely will probably start piecing him up on the feet because he’s got that cardio and the volume, but the fact that it’s at welterweight I think favors Conor because Charles [Oliveira] made Max look small at lightweight. So, imagine how big Conor is gonna look compared to him at welterweight.”

McGregor recently told Ariel Helwani that he has one more bout left on his UFC deal after the Holloway fight. The “Notorious” one claimed that the final bout on his current contract is planned for April 2027. McGregor has said he’d fight a second time at the end of 2026 if he could.

Holloway is looking for a strong rebound win after a disappointing outing against Oliveira back in March. “Blessed” and “do Bronxs” collided for the BMF Championship at UFC 326, but it was Oliveira’s grappling that decided the outcome after five rounds.

Do you agree with Paddy Pimblett’s logic behind picking Conor McGregor to upset Max Holloway, or do you think it’ll be a bad night for “Mystic Mac?” Drop a comment below.