Ariel Helwani did not hold back and continues to stand by his report that Conor McGregor will face Max Holloway. Weeks ago, he reported that McGregor vs. Holloway would headline the UFC’s International Fight Week event in July. While there has not been an official announcement, Helwani said the fight is very close to becoming official.
McGregor has openly expressed interest in returning to the octagon after a five-year hiatus. He was heavily linked to the White House event, but the promotion ultimately went in another direction. The belief was that the Irishman will instead headline International Fight Week so the UFC can sell tickets.
The potential rematch already carries major buzz because McGregor remains the UFC’s biggest star. Holloway, meanwhile, is one of the most beloved fighters on the roster.
Fans expected the official announcement to come during the UFC 328 broadcast, similar to the unveiling of the White House card. That did not happen, but Helwani reiterated that the fight remains the plan to headline UFC 329 on Jul. 11.
If the fight materializes, it will mark 13 years since McGregor and Holloway fought. The bout took place at featherweight and ended with the Irishman earning a unanimous decision victory.
Ariel Helwani Doubles Down on Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway Report
Ariel Helwani is confident that Conor McGregor will face Max Holloway at UFC 329. The MMA journalist stood by his report despite Dana White‘s latest comments that nothing has been signed yet.
Helwani noted that while nothing has been signed, both fighters are all but confirmed to fight. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, McGregor vs. Holloway 2 should headline the International Fight Week event.
“I was the first person to tell you that it’s going to be Conor [McGregor] vs. Max [Holloway]. I’m still the only one. And we got people out there like Chael [Sonnen] and others who are refuting it,” Helwani said during The Ariel Helwani Show. “Max is doing interviews and is alluding to it but they’re not saying it’s a hundred percent done.”
He continued:
“In the flow of our live show on Friday, I did say in 24 hours I can’t wait to shove it down all your throats. I was a little excited,” he said. “I can’t dictate or decide or tell you when [the UFC] are going to announce things because that is arbitrary. But I can tell you the facts.”
Helwani Reveals How Close McGregor vs. Holloway is to Being Finalized
Helwani also revealed that the fight is close to being finalized and announced.
The Canadian journalist said the hope was for the fight being announced during UFC 328. However, he believes it will be made official before the White House event on Jun. 14.
“If you don’t believe me, you’re going to be proven wrong. As of right now, they’re on the goal line,” Helwani said during The Ariel Helwani Show. “I’ve never said it’s signed, sealed, and delivered. It will be. I just want to make that clear, I am not walking this back.”
He added:
“Something awful has to happen for this fight not to come to fruition Jul. 11,” he said. “Doing it at the White House would be too late, that would be less than a month.”
He added: “Dana is right. It is not signed, sealed, and delivered. Is one side signed, sealed?”
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