UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has predicted Conor McGregor will defeat Max Holloway by first-round knockout when the pair meet in their rematch at UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Aspinall shared his assessment of the matchup on his YouTube channel, backing the former two-division champion despite McGregor returning from a lengthy absence and Holloway entering the contest following a defeat to Charles Oliveira.
“I watched a couple of his interviews recently. He seems in a really good place,” said Aspinall, according to his YouTube channel. “I know it’s only an interview, but he does seem in a good place. When McGregor’s on form, he’s absolutely unreal. Absolutely unreal.”
Aspinall also noted that both fighters have changed since their first meeting. “He’s beat Max Holloway before. Max Holloway, in my opinion, really, really good fighter,” said Aspinall, according to his YouTube channel. “Neither of them are the same fighter that they were like 10 years ago.”
McGregor and Holloway are scheduled to meet in the main event of UFC 329, with the rematch marking McGregor’s return to competition after an extended spell away from the Octagon.
“I heard a couple of McGregor interviews. I was very impressed with what he was talking about and how calm he seemed and how focused he seemed,” said Aspinall. “But the thing is that power doesn’t leave. Like, he just needs one shot and it can be over. So, I’m more favoring towards a McGregor win. I think Conor McGregor Round one knockout. I think he’s going to land the big left bomber on him.”
