Holloway completes welterweight transformation for McGregor showdown

ByBobbie Jackson

BBC Sport journalist

Max Holloway completed his transformation to welterweight as he prepares to face Conor McGregor in a rematch at UFC 329 on Saturday.

Holloway has campaigned at featherweight for the majority of his 36-fight career but makes his debut at welterweight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old's past two bouts have taken place at lightweight as he beat Dustin Poirier to win the BMF title, before losing that belt against Charles Oliveira in March.

McGregor, 37, has not fought since breaking his leg in defeat against Dustin Poirier in 2021.

The Irishman has been involved in a series of controversies since, including court cases and missed drugs tests, and critics have questioned whether he deserves the spotlight.

Fans packed into the arena and greeted American Holloway with a mix of cheers and boos as he stepped on to the scales at 170lb (12st 2lb), while McGregor was 0.5lb heavier.

At Friday's news conference, McGregor ripped Holloway's glasses off before facing off, but there was no physical contact this time as they shared an intense stare down.

After being pulled apart, Holloway gave one final message before leaving the stage, saying: "I'm to ferocious, I'm too relentless. I'll see you tomorrow night."

Pimblett all smiles as Britons make weight

There is plenty of British interest at UFC 329 with lightweight Paddy Pimblett, flyweight Lone'er Kavanagh and featherweight Luke Riley in action.

Pimblett and France's Benoit Saint-Denis both tipped the scales at 156lb (11st 2lb), with the winner likely to be in the mix for a shot at lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Liverpool's Pimblett received huge cheers as he raced on to the stage and had a beaming smile as he faced off with Saint-Denis, before turning to the crowd and swinging his arms to encourage more noise.

Londoner Kavanagh could also put himself in contention for title bout at flyweight if he finds a way past American Brandon Royval.

Kavanagh, who boasts a record of 10 wins and one defeat, weighed 126lb (9st) with Royval one pound lighter.

Riley, from Liverpool, is yet to lose in 13 bouts as a professional and competes for the third time under the UFC banner when he opens the preliminary card against American Kai Kamaka III. Both fighters came in at 146lb (10st 6lb).

UFC teases Garcia v Benn

Rumours have been swirling over the past 24 hours that a boxing match between WBA welterweight champion Ryan Garcia and Briton Conor Benn is set to be announced soon.

American Garcia and Zuffa Boxing's Benn were stood on stage alongside UFC chiefs as fighters stepped on the scales and faced off.

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

Founded by UFC president Dana White and backed by Saudi Arabian funding, Zuffa Boxing is looking to rival the sport's established promoters.

Using a high-profile event, such as McGregor v Holloway, to show they can get Garcia and Benn in the same room is another example of their growing power in boxing.

Last month, former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury said he is set to feature in a "massive announcement" from Zuffa Boxing and White.

Fury was a special guest at the UFC's White House show, leading to further speculation that Zuffa Boxing may have a hand in promoting his bout with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua later this year.

McGregor v Holloway 2 full fight card & running order

Live text commentary on UFC 329 will begin from 03:00 BST on Sunday morning on the BBC Sport website and app.

Main card from 02:00 BST:

Conor McGregor v Max Holloway - welterweight

Benoit Saint-Denis v Paddy Pimblett - lightweight

Cory Sandhagen v Mario Bautista - bantamweight

Brandon Royval v Lone'er Kavanagh - flyweight

Bobby Green v Terrance McKinney - lightweight

Preliminary card from 00:00:

Robert Whittaker v Nikita Krylov - light-heavyweight

Gable Stevenson v Elisha Ellison - heavyweight

Cody Garbrandt v Adrian Yanez - bantamweight