Dana White hints at big plans for Conor McGregor and Max Holloway based on who wins at UFC 329

Dana White has suggested that he has big things planned for Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, depending on who emerges victorious in their much-awaited rematch this weekend. 

McGregor, who previously reigned as the UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, is set to end his MMA hiatus dating back to July 2021. He'll take on former UFC featherweight and BMF champ Max Holloway in a welterweight matchup, which would headline UFC 329 on July 11. 

"Mystic Mac" bested Holloway via unanimous decision in their featherweight showdown that went down way back in 2013. The Irishman and his Hawaiian counterpart have since forged incredible legacies as legends of mixed martial arts. 

Dana White hints at big things in store for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway winner after UFC 329

During a recent conversation with Oscar Willis for The Mac Life, UFC CEO and president Dana White appeared to acknowledge the magnitude of the upcoming UFC 329 event, which would witness the long-awaited return of combat sports icon Conor McGregor. 

When seemingly questioned about whether McGregor winning at UFC 329 would open up various high-profile matchups for him, White stated, "I agree; a 100 percent. I mean, anything is possible if he (Conor McGregor) wins on Saturday night." 

Additionally, White was also asked if Holloway emerging victorious would catapult him back into title contention.

Well, Holloway recently faced Charles Oliveira in a lightweight matchup for the BMF championship. Oliveira is a fighter whom he'd beaten via an injury-induced TKO at featherweight several years ago. 

"Do Bronx" ended up avenging his past defeat and taking the BMF title off Holloway via unanimous decision, whilst also propelling himself into the UFC lightweight title picture.

That aside, White indicated that a win over McGregor at UFC 329 could propel Holloway into the lightweight title picture. 

White answered Willis' question concerning Holloway by saying, "A 100 percent. Whoever wins on Saturday night, it is a big win, and a big -- what's the word I want to use here? I guess it's a big step-up in their career, especially at this point in time. I mean, these are two guys that have done it all." 

Teasing that big things await the winner of the McGregor vs. Holloway rematch, White noted, "So, you know, I got, like, five scenarios in my head if Conor wins. And I got, like, three for Max if Max wins. So it's huge for both of them." 

Watch Dana White discuss the significance of Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 and more below (*comments at the 1:50-minute mark of the video): 

Conor McGregor and Max Holloway seem to be eyeing UFC titles in separate weight classes

Conor McGregor has lately signaled that he's looking to become the first fighter to win UFC titles in three separate weight divisions.

"The Notorious" one has already notched championship gold at featherweight and lightweight, and he's been eyeing the UFC welterweight title that's up for grabs between reigning titlist Islam Makhachev and challenger Ian Machado Garry. 

However, McGregor also has a long-running feud with reigning UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, whom the UFC might look to book him against provided he gets past Max Holloway this Saturday. 

Meanwhile, Max Holloway boasts a knockout win over Gaethje from their BMF championship fight that transpired in 2024. Holloway has been on a quest to capture UFC lightweight gold, so many believe a win over McGregor would be followed by his continued chase for the lightweight belt. 

Nevertheless, certain sections of the MMA community have argued that Holloway could perhaps choose to stay at welterweight and attempt to win the belt at 170 pounds, especially if he adapts well to the weight class and dominantly wins at UFC 329.