Christian Rodriguez talks concerns about Conor McGregor withdrawing from comeback fight with Max Holloway at UFC 329

Conor McGregor is set to compete in his first professional combat sports contest since July of 2021.

The Irishman will take on fellow MMA legend Max Holloway in a welterweight matchup, which would mark their second encounter inside the UFC's famed octagon. They'll headline UFC 329 in Vegas on July 11. 

On one hand, a number of fans and experts have expressed their excitement about McGregor's UFC comeback. On the other hand, certain sceptics have cast aspersions on his imminent return. 

On that note, UFC featherweight Christian Rodriguez has also voiced his concerns, suggesting that McGregor's much-awaited return could possibly fail to materialize. 

Christian Rodriguez talks Conor McGregor possibly withdrawing from UFC 329 headliner against Max Holloway

Christian Rodriguez is coming off a submission victory against Hyder Amil in their featherweight clash at UFC Vegas 119 that transpired this past Saturday, June 20.

Subsequently speaking to Home of Fight's Jake Noecker, Rodriguez weighed in on the upcoming Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway rematch. 

Noecker indicated that multiple fighters he's spoken to have questioned whether McGregor would actually make the walk to the octagon and compete. When asked for his views, Rodriguez stated, "Honestly, I don't believe it's gonna happen until he walks out." 

"CeeRod" added, "Conor's Conor, so like, you just don't know what's up with him. You know? It's like, some days, he'll be good. Then like, next week, he'll be like, off the rails. Even if he does fight, I have Max winning just because of how active he's been." 

Rodriguez hailed Holloway as a legend of the sport. Picking "Blessed" to beat McGregor if the rematch does come to fruition, he said, "Hopefully, it does happen. But I have Max winning that fight." 

 

Watch Christian Rodriguez address Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 below (*comments at the 9:05-minute mark of the video): 

Conor McGregor looks to go 2-0 over Max Holloway at UFC 329

The first time Conor McGregor and Max Holloway met inside the octagon was a featherweight matchup at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen back in August of 2013. McGregor was hindered by a knee injury in that clash but still managed to defeat Holloway via unanimous decision. 

Both fighters eventually achieved tremendous success. McGregor is a former UFC featherweight and lightweight kingpin, whereas Holloway is an ex-UFC featherweight titlist and ex-BMF champ. 

McGregor is aiming to go 2-0 in his series of fights against Holloway. Nevertheless, some of the critics as well as supporters of "The Notorious" one have predicted that his comeback fight against the Hawaiian striking savant, whom he holds a win over, would be a tough matchup. 

They've warned that McGregor's lengthy hiatus from MMA competition, the horrific leg injury he sustained in his last fight at UFC 264 in July 2021, and Holloway having competed frequently at the highest level in recent years all signal that the odds are stacked against him.

Regardless, McGregor has affirmed that he's prepared well and is confident about making a triumphant comeback.