Max Holloway x Stake - UFC 329 Exclusive Pre-Fight Interview

Max Holloway vs Conor McGregor 2 will headline UFC 329 in one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts of the year, this Saturday 11th July, at Las Vegas’ iconic T-Mobile Arena.

Stake Ambassador, Max, is already a UFC legend and future Hall of Famer. We caught up with the Hawaiian scrapper ahead of one of the biggest fights of his life. Read on to get in-depth insights into Max’s mind before his big fight at the UFC 329 event and place your MMA bets at Stake with confidence!

UFC 329 - The long awaited rematch

How did the fight first come about? When did you learn that the UFC wanted to make the fight against McGregor, and it was going to be an International Fight Week?

I was on vacation, bro, you know? Like, right after my last fight, me and my wife, we love taking a trip after fights. And I was on vacation in Japan, and they kind of floated the idea to us, but-actually, before the vacation, actually, before I was going on my trip, they kind of floated the idea to us that, like, hey, you might fight Conor McGregor. And I was like, holy shit, okay! You know, but the catch is, it's at 170. I'm like, I don't care if it's at heavyweight, you know what I mean? Like, a Conor McGregor fight is a big fight, so sign me up. And then, when I actually was on the vacation, that's when they actually sent the contract, and we found out that it was International Fight Week, so it was amazing, man. You know, we knew for quite some time, but nothing's really signed until you hear the other side being signed. So, we had to wait a little-wait for a minute on that, and they figured it out, and now we're here, you know? Days away, and I'm excited.

Does this prove to you how much the UFC trusts you to deliver on the biggest stage? Anytime they need to return a big star or they want the biggest fight, they call Max Holloway and he's there?

Ah, for sure. You know, it's always cool. It's always a good feeling knowing that the UFC can trust you with these kinds of big fights. You know, and I was put in these big fights for quite some time, you know? UFC 300, and the BMF title fight, for the retirement for-going to a new city in Louisiana with Dustin. And then another BMF title fight, and now we're here. So, at the end of the day, it's great to know that I'm one of UFC's guys, and that they know that I can bring in a crowd. It's always good, it's always a great feeling that you know the company behind you is standing behind you 100%.

There has been a lot of talk about which way the fight is going to go. Do you believe that the UFC wants Conor McGregor to win?

I mean, at the end of the day, UFC can want anybody to win, they can want anything. But that's just not the way it goes. You know, I see everybody talking about scripts and this and that. We live in a generation of freaking La La Land guys, when they think so, the highest level, there's scripts and stuff, which blows my mind, you know? 'Cause I've been with the UFC for quite some time, so. At the end of the day, I mean, I'm not bothered by it, you know? I get to go out there and I get to control the narrative 'cause I get to go out there and shut all that down on this guy and and go out there and do what I practice, and what I practice is to get my hand raised, so. We get to find out come Saturday night.

Do you think that if you beat Conor come fight night, it's the last time we ever see him? You think he retires if he doesn't get the job done against you?

I hope not. You know, when Conor McGregor is with the sport, and especially in a good light, it's great for the sport, you know? So, if I go out there, get my hand raised, we see what happens, you know? I hope not. I mean, if we go out there and I get a finish, I would technically be 1 and 0 over him, because in his book, he said he only counts finishes on his records and not decisions, so I would actually have 1 and 0 over him. That'd probably eat him alive, so we'd probably have to have a rematch, which would-which would be great.

Just even following on from that, there was a lot of speculation that-hey, you even mentioned it with Joe Rogan-that this could have been a two-fight deal. Is it confirmed that there's a rematch clause stipulated in this contract, or is that-was that just a part of the rumor mill?

I mean, it's just a rumor, man. We'll see what happens, you know? First things first, if there was a rematch clause, I would tell you guys, but you know, I don't-the UFC is going to do what the UFC does. And I just got to go out there, get my hand raised in exciting fashion, and then the ball's in their court.

Fighting at 170 is a big change for you. How does it feel to not really worry about cutting weight as much as you're used to? How does that impact your training?

Oh, you know, before-before with training, and now being at 170 versus cutting weight, it's like-it's just amazing, 'cause now we're eating for performance. Everything is just performance, performance, performance, right? Whenever I had to cut weight for any of my weight classes, 45, 55, it was always like, we had to think of performance, but we also had to kind of take away from it because we had to lose weight. So, right here at 170, it's just all about performance, bro. It's about eating the right things, eating good stuff, not skipping meals, you know, not watching calories, not watching carbs. But then again, you're not going overboard and being a-being a jackass where we have to cut the weight. So, at the end of the day, I think so, it's cool, you know? It's cool just eating for performance, and you know, I can't wait to show the outcome come Saturday night.

We saw in your last outing against Charles Oliveira, to the dismay of many fans, that it became a grappling-heavy match. This time round, how much importance are you putting on the ground game against McGregor?

Oh, you know, I mean, everybody-everybody sees that stat, you know? I think McGregor has like five takedowns in the UFC and I'm four of them, which is pretty funny. But you know, at the end of the day, I did that grappling, you know? We always put in grappling. With the Charles fight, we just thought, you know, we always knew that grappling could be there, but you know, with the BMF title and it being a certain aura around the belt, we thought it was going to be a different fight. But he chose to fight a different way, and it is what it is, man. You know, I should have covered my bases a little bit more, and we're always ready. You know, a lot of people give me shit for that fight. You know, I had the world's most dangerous-the world's best grappler, you know, in the division on my back for quite some time, and he couldn't get it done, you know? And he's not even a grappler, he's the world's-one of the best 155 finishers in the division and he couldn't get it done. So, at the end of the day, I think I'm good. You know, there's some stuff that we got to touch on, and I believe we did. And if it goes back there, you guys get to see all the work.

Conor McGregor has recently come out and said that you haven't improved since your first fight, almost 13 years ago now. That he still sees the same movements and reactions. From your point of view, what would you say you have improved the most since that fight?

I mean everywhere, everywhere. My IQ, my striking, my movement-everywhere, man. Like I said, man, I saw him say that, and I totally believe it's just something that he needs to say to get him to the fight, you know? So, whatever he needs to get him to the fight, keep telling yourself that, and just, you know, I can't wait to see him in the Octagon come July 11th.

The same way he has said that you might not have improved, what do you think-five years on-five years since he's come back into the Octagon, and even 13 years since he fought you, what do you think will be most prominent against you now that he's coming back?

I think he is just going to be a healthy-a healthy Conor, you know? A lot of people talk about the five years being-being away, being bad. I just see it being good, you know? I-I mean, we saw his lifestyle, we saw how he lives, but cameras aren't with him 24/7, so. You know, even though he was enjoying and partying and doing all this stuff, it's like he wasn't doing this all the time, you know? I mean, we don't know, he could have. But I like to think that maybe he didn't, you know? Maybe he just kind of wanted you to see what he was doing or whatever, he controlled the narrative. And at the end of the day, I'm just getting ready for the best Conor McGregor there is. A healthy, rested-up Conor McGregor. A Conor McGregor where we're at this weight class 'cause he didn't want to cut weight. So, at the end of the day, I'm looking forward to it, for the best Conor McGregor come July 11th, and I can't wait for the task at hand.

Speaking of wanting the best Conor McGregor ahead of your fight, he has said that he's walking a tightrope in terms of trying to stay disciplined ahead of this fight. What does that tell you about maybe his mentality coming towards the fight, and what he's been through in the last five years?

Ah, ah, you know, I think so he's been through a lot. He's been in some tough situations and he bounced back, you know? And, you know, recently I saw that he found God and he changed his life. But then again, I don't-I'm not too close to the guy to talk about it, but from the outside looking in, it looks like he changed for the better, and I'm excited, man. I'm excited. This has all the works to be a great fight, a huge fight, a fun fight for the UFC, and I can't wait for it -we are days away from this fight, and I can't wait for the doors to close, 'cause I'm getting ready for the best Conor McGregor that can be, and I hope he getting ready for the best version of myself, 'cause I'm coming.

And I'm sure, as mentioned, everywhere internationally, this is set to be one of the biggest fights in UFC history. In terms of your own career, where does this rank amongst all of your title fights and UFC 300?

Oh, man, it's a big one. I think it's huge, you know? Personally, nothing to me is ever going to beat me fighting José Aldo, the King of Rio, and getting the undisputed title from him in Rio. We got to see the way this fight goes, you know what I mean? You know, UFC 300 was huge for me, so that's why it's second. But who knows, man? We go out there, we do something crazy, we get a crazy ass finish, I can see it beating 300 for sure.

Now, looking into the future, do you think it will lead you towards Justin Gaethje? You KO’d him for the BMF title, so does that put you in a position for the belts? Is that what you'll be calling for if you beat Conor McGregor?

Yeah, we see what happens. We see the way, you know? I got to go out there, I got to do my job, you know? If I do the job the way I want to do my job and get the job done, for sure I'd call him out. You know, people are already talking about how the winner of this fight gets the fight for that title, and then how the winner of this fight also might be able to fight for the 170 title. Who knows, you know? So, at the end of the day, I just got to go out there and get the job done. I get the job done when the emotion's in me, we see who I call out, you know? Fighting for the 155 title fight after this one would be-would be nice, I would say.

Speaking of Justin Gaethje and the 155 title, he said on the Joe Rogan podcast that during his fight with you, he wasn't mentally prepared for that. Do you think that's true? Do you think that you broke him inside the Octagon during that fight?

Only he knows, you know? And you know, it sucks that he felt that way, but it's a fight, you know? I went out there, I did my thing, and you know, then then the big moment happens. So, I can't tell you. I couldn't go deep into his mind. I mean, anybody I fight in there, I'm taking them seriously. So, if that's what he said, that's what he said.

Another fighter on the UFC 329 card is rising star Paddy Pimblett, who claimed Conor McGregor will knock you out because the fight is at welterweight. What would your response be to him or anyone that's expressing any similar thoughts?

It is what it is, man. If you-if you feel that way, you feel that way, you know? I have the opportunity to go out there and prove you guys wrong, so. Everybody's entitled to their own opinion, man, at the end of the day. Especially with fighting-fighting is the craziest sport, man. People think they have-they have the right answer or they got-they got a say in this sport, which blows my mind. But at the end of the day, it is what it is, man. If that's his opinion, that's how he feels. That's just how he thinks the fight's going to go out. Like, do I have to be mad about it? People do get mad about people saying stuff, but I don't care, man. I have the opportunity to go out there, prove people wrong, what I've been doing for most of my career, and prove people wrong. So, I can't wait, you know? The beautiful thing is we get to find out Saturday night and it's going to be a fun one.

That's a very good mindset to have. Speaking of mindsets, Conor McGregor has been looking to the future, talking about fights with Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev. Do you think this is bravado, and it's a mistake to overlook you come fight night?

Everybody's different, man. Everybody's different. You know, some guys-some guys need that-need that attitude or that way to talk to get themselves to the fight. So, whatever gets him to the fight, keep saying, man. Keep looking. If you got to look 20 years down the line, maybe he wants to rematch someone else later on, who knows? I don't know what's going on in his mind, but if that's what you need to do to get you-get your mind right for a fight, do it, you know? 'Cause I want the best version of yourself to come-come Saturday night.

What do you think has been his biggest battle outside of the Octagon in these past five years? The inactivity, the injuries, the indiscretions outside the cage... what do you think has been his biggest battle?

I couldn't tell you. I mean, Himself has been the biggest battle, you know? With all the things that we did see, with the partying or whatever, or spending money. Maybe money? I don't know - but that's probably his biggest battle. But he seems really focused, he seems like he found God, and you know, like I've been saying, I can't wait to see the best version of Conor McGregor come Saturday night.

You have jumped from 145 at featherweight to 155, and now making the big jump to 170. What do you lose and what do you gain at 170 as you prepare to take this bout on?

We get to find out Saturday night, you know? I feel great, sir. I feel good. Every time I jump up a weight class, I feel good, feel strong, feel fast, so at the end of the day, I feel good, man. I just can't wait for you guys to tune in on July 11th. It's going to be a fun night.

And outside of the Octagon, outside of the hard work that you've been putting in, we know you love your streaming, and you are fairly active on Kick. Do you have anything exciting planned with them in the future?

Yeah, I do. We have something very exciting with Kick. I don't know if I can-I can talk about it. Kick and Stake, so. I don't know if I can say anything here. Just stay tuned, stay tuned for fight week. We're going to have an announcement, it's going to be fun, I promise. And for you gamers-for you gamers out there, it's going to be fun. It's going to be pretty-pretty cool.

And the same with the Stake team, too. This interview was powered by Stake. What's your relationship like with the team, and how have you enjoyed the work, and can we expect any more exciting projects with Stake?

Oh, yeah, for sure, man. I love-I got nothing but love for Stake, you know, especially with the Stake US team, you know? I mean, the only bone I got to pick is with Eddie for taking my damn cash in the slots! But, you know, all jokes aside, it is what it is. I got nothing but love for the Stake team. They are always one call away, always willing to help, and just great people overall.

Now, you've frequently called yourself the best boxer in the UFC. I know Conor McGregor has built that brand of being one of the most elite strikers in the UFC as well. So, how do you think it will be? How excited are you to test your boxing against Conor McGregor? Two of the best boxers that the UFC has ever seen.

I'm so excited, man. I can't wait. I can't wait to go in there and then go trade these paws with him for sure, bro. It's going to be a fun one.

How far did Conor McGregor push for the fight to be three rounds instead of five? There were some reports that there was a discrepancy on the rounds.

Yeah, I don't-I don't know, you know? I saw what you saw on the internet. I-I don't know. There's no talks from any of my managers who ever came to me and told me about three rounds, but I don't know. I couldn't speak of that. Everything I know is public knowledge, so it is what it is, but we're here and wåe got five rounds, so sucks to suck.

We know that Conor McGregor has taken five years out of the ring and he's had to climb and push for this mega-fight here. If we flip it and you had taken five years out from the Octagon, for whatever reason that may be, what do you think the most challenging aspect of returning to competition would be?

I mean, this is like our second home. I don't think so. Like a lot of people calling-Conor out with the five years and whatever and blah blah, 'cause he did this and that. I just put myself in the shoes. I don't know what he was doing, but I know five years, bro, reset, getting healthy, you know, doing what you get to do, and coming back for a fight. I think I will be fine. So, like I said, I'm getting ready for the best Conor McGregor, and you know, I look forward to it.