Conor McGregor cracks Joe Rogan up with ‘Irish paws’ threat in first Max Holloway face-off
Conor McGregor left Joe Rogan in hysterics during his first face-off with Max Holloway ahead of UFC 329.
McGregor threatened Holloway with his ‘big Irish paws’ to replicate his performance from their 2013 encounter and score another victory when they rematch in Las Vegas on July 11.
The 37-year-old from Dublin, Ireland, returns to action for the first time in over five years to headline the UFC‘s annual International Fight Week card at the T-Mobile Arena.
McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in the summer of 2021, but is brimming with confidence ahead of his highly anticipated return.
With UFC commentator and popular podcaster Rogan in Washington DC this past weekend to call the promotion’s historic UFC White House event, the American was placed between McGregor and Holloway for a first one-to-one conversation.
As you would expect, Rogan was quickly embroiled in back-and-forth trash talk, largely and unsurprisingly led by McGregor.
McGregor vs Holloway heats up
“You said [you’re] the best boxer? We’re gonna see!” McGregor exclaimed to Holloway, who seemed happy this version of the Irishman was back.
Referencing his points win over Holloway at UFC Boston 13 years ago, McGregor continued: “Number one pound-for-pound at featherweight? After I beat you at featherweight?
“Do you know Joe? I’ve sat by and listened to people claim this man to be the number one pound-for-pound featherweight of all time when I sonned him at that weight.
“Do you know I’ve listened to people throughout the years say, ‘Holloway was only a kid back then,’ and I was not when myself and Max faced for the first time.
“I was Max’s sixth UFC fight; he was my second! He got sonned in the Octagon in Boston with my big Irish paws in his face! And I’m gonna do it again.
“And this time show who is the best boxer in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and who is the reigning, defending, pound-for-pound number one featherweight in the entire Ultimate Fighting Championship’s history!”
McGregor: ‘I want to go again after Holloway’
McGregor vs Holloway is set to be contested in the welterweight division.
It is the first time former UFC featherweight champion and BMF titleholder at lightweight Holloway will fight at 170lbs in his 16-year, 36-fight career.
And McGregor sees that as a big disadvantage for his opponent.
The 22-6 fighter added: “No disrespect, Max, you’re not going to lay a glove on me! And even if you do lay a glove on me, I’m gonna laugh in your face.
“It’s another world here against me, and it’s another world at this weight.
“I’m gonna come out of this bout unscathed and in all glory!”
Holloway chimed in: “We talk about ancestors, we talk about warriors, I am the Hawaiian warrior, brother.
“I’m gonna touch your face over and over again. I already know this.”
But McGregor wasn’t having any of it, interrupting: “Relax and be quiet while I speak!
“Joe, Max is my child; excuse his rudeness! Excuse his potty mouth!”
The Irishman then confirmed his plans to see out his UFC contract with another fight after Holloway.
He has two fights left on his current deal before becoming a free agent.
UFC Schedule
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“Max, I’m gonna box your ears off with my hands down. Child. Quiet!
“I’m going to come out of this fight unscathed, and I want to go again.”
A victory for McGregor would be monumental and potentially catapult him straight into title conversations.
He has previously expressed his desire to become the UFC’s first-ever three-division champion — something Alex Pereira has just failed to achieve — having won titles at both featherweight and lightweight.
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