Max Holloway Debuts at Welterweight for UFC 329 Rematch Against McGregor

Max Holloway moves up to welterweight to face Conor McGregor in a UFC 329 rematch. British fighters Pimblett, Kavanagh, and Riley also compete. Zuffa Boxing teases Garcia vs Benn fight amid growing influence.

Holloway completes welterweight transformation for McGregor showdown

Max Holloway, who has secured 27 victories in his 36 professional fights, has finalized his transition to the welterweight division as he prepares to face Conor McGregor in a rematch at UFC 329, scheduled for Saturday.

Throughout most of his career, Holloway has competed at featherweight, but he will make his welterweight debut at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old fighter's two most recent bouts were contested at lightweight. He defeated Dustin Poirier to claim the BMF title before relinquishing that belt to Charles Oliveira in March.

Conor McGregor, aged 37, has not competed since suffering a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021.

Since then, McGregor has been involved in several controversies, including legal proceedings and missed drug tests, leading some critics to question his continued prominence in the sport.

At the weigh-in, the arena was filled with fans who greeted American Holloway with a mixture of cheers and boos as he stepped onto the scales at 170 pounds (12st 2lb). McGregor weighed in at 170.5 pounds, half a pound heavier.

During Friday's news conference, McGregor removed Holloway's glasses before their face-off. Despite the tense moment, no physical contact occurred as they engaged in an intense stare down.

After being separated, Holloway delivered a final message before leaving the stage:

"I'm too ferocious, I'm too relentless. I'll see you tomorrow night."

Pimblett all smiles as Britons make weight

There is significant British representation at UFC 329, with lightweight Paddy Pimblett, flyweight Lone'er Kavanagh, and featherweight Luke Riley all set to compete.

Pimblett and France's Benoit Saint-Denis both weighed in at 156 pounds (11st 2lb). The victor of their bout is expected to contend for a lightweight title shot against champion Justin Gaethje.

Liverpool's Pimblett received enthusiastic cheers as he entered the stage, smiling broadly during his face-off with Saint-Denis. He then turned to the crowd, gesturing to encourage louder support.

Paddy Pimblett is shirtless and holding up his arms — Image caption, Paddy Pimblett has a record of 23 wins and four defeats

Londoner Kavanagh also has the opportunity to position himself for a flyweight title bout if he defeats American Brandon Royval.

Kavanagh, who holds a record of 10 wins and one loss, weighed 126 pounds (9st), with Royval coming in one pound lighter.

Luke Riley, also from Liverpool, remains undefeated in 13 professional fights and will make his third UFC appearance when he opens the preliminary card against American Kai Kamaka III. Both fighters weighed 146 pounds (10st 6lb).

UFC teases Garcia v Benn

Speculation has intensified over the past 24 hours regarding a potential boxing match between WBA welterweight champion Ryan Garcia and British fighter Conor Benn.

Garcia and Benn appeared on stage alongside UFC officials as fighters weighed in and faced off.

Four-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson, who signed with Zuffa Boxing on Thursday, was also present.

Zuffa Boxing, founded by UFC president Dana White and supported by Saudi Arabian investment, aims to compete with established boxing promoters.

Utilizing a high-profile event like McGregor versus Holloway to bring Garcia and Benn together demonstrates Zuffa Boxing's expanding influence in the sport.

Last month, former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury announced he would be part of a "massive announcement" from Zuffa Boxing and White.

Fury was a special guest at the UFC's White House event, fueling speculation that Zuffa Boxing may be involved in promoting his upcoming bout against fellow Briton Anthony Joshua later this year.