Michael Bisping has laid out how he believes Conor McGregor should approach Max Holloway when they meet at UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night.
The analysis centers on whether McGregor will lean on wrestling, especially given that Charles Oliveira previously defeated Holloway by using early takedowns and back control over 25 minutes. Despite that blueprint, Bisping is not convinced McGregor will follow it.
“I doubt it, I don’t think so,” Bisping said, before expanding on why a wrestling-heavy strategy might not fit McGregor. “Wrestling is one of the most cardio-heavy aspects of mixed martial arts. It is so tiring trying to take down another human being that has good takedown defense. And Conor historically is very explosive but tends to fade as the fights go on, so I don’t think we’ll see Conor shooting [for a takedown]. I wouldn’t say it’s the smart approach, anyway.”
Instead, Bisping believes McGregor’s finishing ability remains his key weapon. “Conor’s best chance is to go out there, believe in his left hand, land the big shot,” he said. “Knock him out, and then blow the roof off the T-Mobile Arena. I don’t think anyone’s shooting for a takedown in that fight.”
McGregor and Holloway have shared the Octagon before, with McGregor achieving significant success on the ground in their first meeting. According to Bisping, McGregor has also won seven of his past eight UFC fights by knockout, and the expectation is that their UFC 329 clash will begin as a stand-up striking contest.
