Alexander Volkanovski Predicts Max Holloway Will ‘Melt’ Conor McGregor at UFC 329

As we inch closer to UFC 329, the predictions grow louder. While plenty of fans are captivated by Conor McGregor's long-awaited return after five years away from competition, not everyone is convinced the former two-division champion can roll back the clock against Max Holloway.

The Hawaiian’s former opponent, Alexander Volkanovski, certainly isn't.

Alexander Volkanovski Sees Max Holloway Taking Over after Surviving Early Storm

Having shared the Octagon with Holloway three times, the reigning featherweight champion knows better than most what makes "Blessed" such a difficult puzzle to solve.  Although he believes “The Notorious” will pose genuine danger early, the featherweight champion expects Holloway's relentless pace to gradually overwhelm the Irishman before eventually leading to a finish.

That said, Volk doesn't subscribe to the popular narrative that Holloway will immediately march McGregor down from the opening bell. Instead, he expects the former featherweight champion to approach the rematch with patience and respect.

"You know, people think that Max is just going to walk for him from the start. It ain't going to be that easy," he explained on this YouTube channel.

Volkanovski Believes Holloway Takes His Time in UFC 329 Main Event

According to “The Great”, McGregor still possesses the timing and power to change a fight in an instant, particularly in the opening rounds. That's why he expects Holloway to avoid unnecessary risks rather than engage in reckless exchanges.

"He could definitely give Max some problems early," Volkanovski said. "Max is going to be clever enough where we won't really see that. But I still think Conor will be dangerous enough where we're going to be like, 'Oh shit.' Max needs to be careful."

Once that early threat begins to fade, however, Volkanovski believes the fight swings heavily in Holloway's favor.

The former featherweight king pointed to the 34-year-old’s remarkable cardio and relentless volume as the biggest reasons he'll eventually break McGregor down. To substantiate his point, he even referenced Holloway's thrilling performance against Justin Gaethje, where he repeatedly stood in the pocket while avoiding heavy shots before cracking Gaethje’s granite chin for a highlight last-second KO. 

"I'm going to have to go Max Holloway for the win," Volkanovski said. "Can it be a finish? One hundred percent."

Max Holloway's Activity Could Prove Decisive

The rematch presents a vastly different picture from their first meeting back in 2013.

McGregor enters UFC 329 having competed just four times since 2018, with injuries and inactivity interrupting what was once one of the sport's most dominant runs. While his knockout power remains unquestioned, questions surrounding timing, durability, and ring rust continue to cast a shadow. 

Holloway, meanwhile, has remained one of the UFC's busiest elite fighters. Whether competing at featherweight or lightweight, the Hawaiian has consistently faced top-level opposition while evolving his striking game. 

Holloway Compares, Contrasts Fighters

His trademark pace and output have long been his greatest weapons, but recent performances have also showcased a sharper counter game and a greater willingness to stand his ground in dangerous exchanges.

Those are the qualities Volkanovski believes will ultimately separate the two. "If Max gets you tired, he's so good at going for the kill," he said. "It's just going to be too much for Conor."

Volkanovski even floated the possibility of an unexpected submission if McGregor begins to wilt under sustained pressure. "Maybe submission... because he will melt him," he added. "When he's melting and just sort of going there shooting because he's so tired... maybe we see that."