Dustin Poirier delivers verdict on Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway after beating both UFC stars

Dustin Poirier believes Conor McGregor will be in trouble if his return fight against Max Holloway enters the later rounds.

‘The Diamond’ defeated both McGregor and Holloway twice during his illustrious career, having retired after a trilogy loss to the latter last July at UFC 318.

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After five years out of the sport, McGregor is returning to Dana White‘s promotion to face Holloway for the second time in the main event of a stacked UFC 329 card.

McGregor overcame a nasty leg injury to outpoint Holloway when they first met in 2013, and he plans to do it again in Las Vegas on July 11.

Despite McGregor’s confidence ahead of his grand comeback, claiming he’s ‘living, breathing and sleeping in the gym,’ several MMA fans are sceptical about whether he has it in him to beat Holloway again.

After all, Holloway has been actively competing at the peak of his powers during McGregor’s absence, scoring statement wins over the likes of Justin Gaethje while still challenging for UFC gold.

So who better to break down how the pair will fare at UFC 329 than a man who has shared a combined 13 rounds with them both?

Poirier breaks down McGregor vs Holloway

“I don’t know if [McGregor’s] living, sleeping, all that in the gym,” Poirier explained on Deep Waters.

“For sure, he’s probably preparing. But I thought in their first fight, he showed a full arsenal of martial arts.

“He injured his legs and switched to wrestling. Nobody knew he’d be shooting shots like that. He’s a knockout guy. He’s a standup guy. But he went out there and won the fight, did what he had to do.

“That’s mastering martial arts, switching from being a kickboxer to getting your opponent down, winning rounds, and winning the fight. I thought he did a great job the first time…

“Speaking of sleeping, Conor McGregor, I put you to sleep in Abu Dhabi bud… Sleepy Mac!”

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Holloway was dominated over five rounds in his last fight by Charles Oliveira, who controlled the Hawaiian for over 20 minutes on the canvas.

But Poirier, who was super impressed with Oliveira’s performance against Holloway, doesn’t think McGregor has the same skills to replicate the Brazilian’s success.

“Conor’s not that kind of wrestler,” Poirier added.

“And he doesn’t have the gas tank. If he does wrestle and doesn’t get a takedown or has to scramble, those later rounds, he’s going to be gassed.

“Especially at 170lbs, he’s going to be heavier. I don’t think it’s good.

“Max is a volume, cardio guy, with power now. So, I think it’s just trouble the later it goes…

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“I don’t think Conor has what Charles had to stay on him like that.”

Poirier continued: “Five years is a long time.

“He’s got a bunch of questions that need to be answered after the bell rings, that he doesn’t know what’s going to happen, too.

“Going up and fighting a guy who has been active, was world champion, was the BMF champion, this guy’s fought the best of the best for the last five years you’ve been away.” 

Poirier said McGregor’s stamina will rapidly decline after the midway point, suggesting, as did fellow ex-UFC stars Jorge Masvidal and Chris Weidman, that the Irishman will have to catch Holloway early to win.

The American also made a good point that the fight is at welterweight, meaning McGregor will be heavier than he is used to in the UFC.

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However, that may also play in McGregor’s advantage, giving him more power in his hands, especially as it is Holloway’s first fight in the division.