Can Conor McGregor Still Beat Max Holloway? Inside Arman Tsarukyan's Bold Assessment of a Potential Lightweight Showdown

The MMA world continues to buzz with speculation about potential comeback fights for Conor McGregor, and one intriguing possibility gaining traction involves a rematch with Max Holloway. While these two elite strikers previously clashed over a decade ago, current circumstances have shifted dramatically for both competitors. Rising lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan recently shared his perspective on this hypothetical matchup, offering a candid assessment of where both fighters stand in their careers and why this bout could favor the Irish striker.

The Context Behind the Rumored Fight

For months, industry insiders have suggested that the UFC is exploring a McGregor return centered around a rematch with Holloway. The original encounter between these fighters took place over twelve years ago, when McGregor was still building his reputation in the featherweight division. McGregor has now been away from competition for nearly five years, with his last victory stretching back over six years.

Holloway, meanwhile, recently transitioned to lightweight after a disappointing featherweight title loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. At 34 years old, the Hawaiian striker has accumulated an impressive fifteen years of professional fighting experience. His most recent high-profile bout saw him defending the BMF title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, where he suffered a convincing twenty-five minute defeat marked by relentless takedowns and complete wrestling dominance from his opponent.

From a promotional standpoint, this matchup carries significant appeal. Both fighters possess name recognition and drawing power, making it an attractive option for McGregor's eagerly anticipated return to active competition.

Tsarukyan's Controversial Assessment of Holloway's Decline

Tsarukyan offered a scathing critique of Holloway's current competitive level, suggesting the former champion has entered a phase where he's primarily collecting paychecks rather than performing at elite capacity. The lightweight contender expressed particular concern about Holloway's wrestling fundamentals, or lack thereof.

Referencing the Oliveira fight specifically, Tsarukyan highlighted how jarring Holloway's defensive wrestling appeared. Despite two decades of professional fighting experience, Holloway struggled significantly with takedown defense against an opponent who isn't primarily known for wrestling prowess. Tsarukyan suggested this vulnerability represents a dramatic departure from Holloway's peak form, when he was a well-rounded, dynamic competitor.

The broader implication of Tsarukyan's commentary suggests that Holloway has reached the twilight of his career. According to Tsarukyan's projection, Holloway realistically has three to four more fights remaining before likely retiring from the sport entirely.

Breaking Down the Stylistic Matchup

From a technical perspective, Tsarukyan identified legitimate stylistic reasons why McGregor would enter this potential rematch as a favorable matchup. McGregor's striking precision and footwork could exploit Holloway's apparent vulnerabilities, particularly if Holloway continues struggling with takedown defense and wrestling positioning.

The weight class consideration adds another dimension. Holloway's recent move to lightweight represents a significant transition after spending most of his career at featherweight. This adjustment period could compound existing concerns about his current form. McGregor, historically a lightweight and featherweight competitor, would be fighting at his natural weight division, a potential advantage over an opponent still acclimating to heavier competition.

However, it's worth noting that McGregor himself is far removed from his competitive peak. The extended time away from active fighting introduces substantial uncertainty about his conditioning, reflexes, and ring rust management.

The Bigger Picture: A Generation of Fighters Aging Out

Tsarukyan's commentary extends beyond just Holloway, touching on a larger narrative shift occurring within MMA's lightweight landscape. The fighter believes a generational transition is underway, with veteran fighters who have dominated the division for years gradually reaching the conclusion of their careers.

This perspective positions Tsarukyan as someone viewing himself as part of the new guard destined to replace this older cohort. His confidence in eventually becoming a dominant lightweight force reflects the mindset of an ascending competitor watching established names fade. This changing of the guard is a natural phenomenon in combat sports, where younger, hungrier fighters gradually supplant aging champions and contenders.

The timeline for this transition remains uncertain, but Tsarukyan's analysis suggests it's already beginning to materialize through recent performance discrepancies among veteran competitors.

Expert Reactions and Counterarguments

Not everyone shares Tsarukyan's assessment. Some observers believe Holloway's recent struggles shouldn't entirely discount his competitive threat. His career has demonstrated remarkable resilience across multiple weight classes, and his striking volume remains difficult for most opponents to manage.

Additionally, McGregor's own extended absence from competition creates considerable uncertainty. Returning after nearly five years of inactivity introduces predictability questions that could benefit a fresh, active competitor like Holloway. Fighting rust and the mental adjustment to returning to professional competition after such a lengthy hiatus represent genuine concerns.

The unpredictability factor of comeback fights suggests that while Tsarukyan may be correct about the stylistic advantages favoring McGregor, the execution and real-world performance could diverge significantly from theoretical analysis.

What's Next for Both Fighters?

McGregor's anticipated return timeline suggests potential action this summer, though nothing has been officially announced or confirmed. His opponent selection will likely prioritize both drawing power and perceived matchup favorability to maximize the commercial appeal of his comeback.

For Holloway, the lightweight division presents both challenges and opportunities. His establishment in this weight class will require demonstrating he can compete effectively against the division's elite, particularly after the decisive loss to Oliveira. Whether a McGregor bout materializes remains speculation, but his career trajectory will significantly depend on his ability to adjust to the lightweight environment and recapture competitive form that once made him a featherweight champion.