Dustin Poirier doubts Conor McGregor can follow Max Holloway into chaos

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Dustin Poirier doubts Conor McGregor can follow Max Holloway into chaos

Originally posted on HITC | By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 3:44 PM ET

Conor McGregor’s UFC return comes with major questions. He faces Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, and bookmakers already have him as a clear underdog.

The rematch has huge appeal because McGregor beat Holloway in 2013, but both fighters have changed completely. ‘Blessed’ has stayed active, while the Irishman has not fought since 2021.

That gap could matter most if the fight reaches the final round, as Holloway’s point-down exchanges demand pace, nerve and conditioning, and this is where Dustin Poirier sees danger.

Dustin Poirier questions Conor McGregor’s late-fight shape

Speaking on UFC’s Deep Waters show on Monday, Poirier pointed directly to Holloway’s ability to stay dangerous when most fighters fade.

“If it does go to five rounds and there’s a point-down in the last 10 seconds, I don’t think Conor is going to be in physical shape to throw down with Max like that. Because Max is still fast at the end of the fight, man,” he commented.

That warning carries weight. Poirier has fought both men and beat both twice. He also shared 25 minutes in the cage with Holloway before retiring after their 2025 meeting, at UFC 318.

Holloway’s point-down reputation peaked at UFC 300, when he invited Justin Gaethje into a final exchange and knocked him out with one second left.

Will Conor McGregor stand and trade with Max Holloway if he points down? @DustinPoirier doesn't think so

"If it does go all five and there is a point down in the last ten seconds, I don't think Conor is going to be in physical shape to throw down with Max like that." pic.twitter.com/9ZnSvSZ5m9
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) June 1, 2026

McGregor still has power, timing and star presence. But after years away, asking him to match Holloway’s late-round output is a very different challenge.

That is the tension around UFC 329. The Irishman may still be dangerous early, but Poirier doubts he can follow Holloway into chaos at the end.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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