Rashad Evans cautions Conor McGregor on speed and other elements in Max Holloway fight at UFC 329

Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to professional combat sports competition is fast approaching. Heading into his comeback fight, the Irishman has now seemingly been sent a word of caution by Rashad Evans. 

A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Evans has warned that McGregor would have to adapt to the speed at welterweight swiftly, given that he's primarily competed at featherweight and lightweight in his MMA career. 

"Suga" also highlighted the significance of McGregor's approach to the striking battle in the matchup, signaling that he'll have to set up deterrents against his opponent, Max Holloway. 

Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 headlines UFC 329

Conor McGregor hasn't competed in the sport of mixed martial arts since his TKO loss against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July of 2021. The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion suffered a horrific mid-fight leg injury in that fight, which resulted in his defeat. 

The 37-year-old is currently booked to rematch ex-UFC featherweight titlist and ex-BMF champion Max Holloway in a welterweight match. The two legendary fighters will headline UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11. 

Their first encounter went down back in 2013, with McGregor beating Holloway via unanimous decision in a featherweight matchup. 

"Suga" Rashad Evans addresses the speed and striking factors of Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway rematch at UFC 329

In an episode of the Deep Waters podcast, MMA legend Rashad Evans spoke to fellow UFC veterans Jorge Masvidal and Din Thomas regarding the Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway rematch. 

Thomas indicated that McGregor appears slower at welterweight (170 pounds) than he did in his fights that were contested at lightweight (155 pounds). He implied that McGregor has been known to rely on his speed and timing, so being a step slower could adversely affect his performance. 

On the contrary, he pointed out that Max Holloway is believed to be more of a high-volume fighter who relies on that, cutting angles, and pressurizing his foes.

For context, Holloway hasn't competed at welterweight as of yet but has previously fought at featherweight and lightweight.

Well, Thomas insinuated that the additional weight McGregor carries at welterweight slows him down. He stated, "I'm actually concerned with the speed of Conor at 170 (pounds)." 

UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans weighed in and apparently cautioned McGregor about certain elements in the upcoming fight. He underscored that "The Notorious" one shouldn't waste much time inside the octagon to figure out the timing and speed. 

The American MMA savant also emphasized that McGregor has to hit Holloway, or else "Blessed" could simply walk him down and hurt him with his combinations.

Evans said, "The timing and the speed -- he's going to figure that out right away. You know? He's going to really have to do something to just keep Max from just walking him down and putting that combination on him." 

Addressing Holloway's high-volume style of fighting, Evans explained, "He's gonna have to hit him with something to let Max know that you're just not gonna walk through me like this. And if he doesn't, it's gonna be a long fight for him because of the fact that how busy Max is." 

 

Check out Rashad Evans and Din Thomas's remarks regarding the McGregor-Holloway rematch below: 

Who will have the speed advantage at 170? Conor McGregor or Max Holloway? pic.twitter.com/ud2Q5ECRrg

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) June 22, 2026