Former training partner predicts Conor McGregor will KO Max Holloway at UFC 329

Dillon Danis, a longtime training partner of Conor McGregor, is backing the Irishman to deliver a stunning upset against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas. McGregor (22-6) will face Holloway (27-9) in a welterweight main event, despite opening as a +300 underdog with most observers expecting the former featherweight champion to dominate. Danis, who was among McGregor's primary cornermen before the legendary 2018 fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, believes the doubters are severely underestimating his longtime teammate. According to Danis, McGregor has displayed a level of focus and dedication during his five-year absence from competition that suggests ring rust will not be a factor. Danis told MMA Fighting that McGregor is "living in the gym," bringing in elite training partners, and his physique reflects the intensity of his preparation. "I don't believe in ring rust," Danis stated. "I believe ring rust is a mindset. And if anybody is gonna beat a mindset, it's Conor." Danis has made an aggressive prediction: McGregor will knock out Holloway within three rounds, and possibly two. He further predicts that a McGregor victory would set up a welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev. While Danis himself has been away from active competition for an extended period, he recently returned to wrestling and is scheduled to headline RAF 10 against Khamzat Chimaev in St. Louis. His confidence in McGregor's preparation and ability to shake off the lengthy layoff stands in sharp contrast to widespread expert consensus favoring Holloway.