Conor McGregor and Max Holloway will renew their rivalry in aUFC clashon 11 July in Las Vegas, reigniting one of the sport's most closely followed match-ups 13 years after their first meeting.

The bout has quickly become defined less by its timing and more by a single, divisive question: whether Holloway truly deserves his status among the sport's elite as a pound-for-pound featherweight, or whether McGregor is right to challenge that reputation on the basis of his overall legacy and standing in the division.

Their first encounter saw McGregor defeat Holloway despite suffering a torn ACL during the bout. The Notorious won via unanimous decision, securing early bragging rights over the Hawaiian fighter.

Regardless, Holloway went on to rebuild his career and establish himself as one of the standout names in the featherweight division. In fact, many have hailed the 34-year-old fighter for his performances, with some branding him among the best boxers in MMA and arguably the number one pound-for-pound featherweight at 145 pounds.

McGregor, however, has never agreed with that assessment. He vowed that at UFC 329 in July, he intends to prove those backing Holloway wrong by challenging both his reputation and perceived standing in the sport's elite rankings.

'You said the best boxer? We're going to see. No. 1 pound-for-pound featherweight? After I beat you at featherweight? We're going to see now,' McGregor said in a UFC interview hosted by Joe Rogan.

McGregor's comments were hardly surprising, given the outspoken persona he is known for. While he may have won their first meeting via unanimous decision, there are several factors to consider heading into UFC 329 beyond their shared history.

Both are now more seasoned and have accumulated significantly more experience since their younger years. Also, the fight is set at welterweight (170 pounds), further indicating that the fighting conditions are expected to be different from their original meeting at featherweight.

For McGregor, several things come to mind. He is three years older than Holloway, and there is uncertainty over whether he still has the same level of power and speed to contend with his 34-year-old adversary.

Also, the last time McGregor wasin the Octagonwas at UFC 264 in July 2021. Conor was unable to continue after suffering a devastating leg break (fractured tibia) that ended the fight.

Source: International Business Times UK