Max Holloway has voiced strong respect for Conor McGregor’s recent openness about his personal struggles as the two prepare to meet at UFC 329 on July 11th.
McGregor is set for a comeback fight against Holloway at UFC 329, with the bout scheduled during media week and promoted with a media tour that began after McGregor’s arrival in New York City. As part of that tour, he appeared on the Ariel Helwani Show and spoke at length about trying to maintain balance in his life.
“God knows my heart and the things that I’ve gone through,” McGregor said. “I’m a young man, I came into all this, I forgive myself for disgracing the position that God put me in, which I’ve done many times. And I won’t do it again.”
McGregor described his situation as “akin to being on a tightrope,” adding, “So I’m in the state now where I’m keeping my balance and making my way to life, and God is helping me with that. That’s it.”
Holloway, speaking to ESPN, welcomed McGregor’s candor. “Nothing but respect for him,” Holloway said. “It takes a real man to come out and say [his] feelings, period. Especially in this day and time, right?”
He added that McGregor’s comments could have an impact beyond their fight. “So with him, especially with the power he has and him bringing it up, I think it’s going to encourage more people to talk about it, more guys to maybe go get a mental check or self-check. And shout out to him for doing that cuz there’s a lot of people that deal with this that don’t know.”
