Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2 – Mauricio Ruffy Back-up For UFC 329 Main Event

Leigh Copson

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Last updated: Mon 06 Jul 2026 11:56

Leigh Copson 1 hour ago

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Mauricio Ruffy ready to replace McGregor or Holloway at UFC 329
Ruffy has already secured two knockout wins in 2026
McGregor returns after 3-year hiatus; Holloway favoured by bookmakers

Mauricio Ruffy (Getty Images)

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Mauricio Ruffy has revealed that he will be the replacement fighter should Conor McGregor or Max Holloway pull out of Saturday’s main event showdown at UFC 329.

McGregor vs Holloway 2Bet on Conor's comeback fight at bet365!Bet Here

McGregor is scheduled to finally make his return to the Octagon this weekend - having not fought since breaking his leg during a bout in 2021 - and all eyes will be on the T-Mobile Arena is Las Vegas as arguably the biggest star in the history of MMA makes his comeback.

But what happens if he or Holloway is unable to compete on Saturday night? We now have the answer.

Brazilian Ruffy has already fought twice this year - with spectacular results - and he has revealed that should either fighter be forced to withdraw from Saturday’s contest, he will be stepping in to headline the card at the T-Mobile Arena.

“I took good care of myself – these guys [the UFC] made me train halfway through my vacation,” said Ruffy, who has already knocked out Michael Chandler and Rafael Fiziev this year.

“Me against Conor McGregor, I believe it would be a very good fight. I believe a fight I would make easier by the fact of rhythm and everything else, right?”

“And against Max Holloway, I believe in my knockout power. He’s a guy that doesn’t seek to play forward there all the time, but I go there to define the fights and I don’t miss my chances. It would be really cool to see this fight happen.”

For now McGregor and Holloway are still expected to meet for the second time at UFC 329. These two men first clashed over a decade ago, and it was the Irishman who had his hand raised on the night, earning a unanimous decision victory despite dealing with a serious knee injury sustained during the contest.

However, the bookmakers are not expecting a repeat of that result - which is not all that surprising given McGregor’s lengthy absence and his well-publicised antics and legal issues away from the cage. Holloway is 5/11 to avenge that previous loss, with McGregor 9/5 to turn back the clock and make a winning return to action.

Bookmaker bet365 is 10/11 that Holloway gets the job done via knockout, while it is 23/10 that McGregor showcases that knockout power that made him the biggest star in mixed martial arts during his prime.