Daniel Cormier was as letdown by the UFC 329 main event just like everyone else, and he’s certain even winner Max Holloway feels the same way.
Holloway was all smiles after defeating Conor McGregor to even their series at 1-1, with McGregor having won their first meeting 13 years ago. However, the rematch barely featured any action at all before a McGregor leg injury forced the bout to be waved off just 69 seconds into Round 1. Afterwards, Holloway used his post-fight microphone time to call for a trilogy bout to settle the rivalry, a suggestion that was met with a tepid response from fans at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Cormier understands why Holloway wants one more crack at McGregor, given the unsatisfying circumstances.
“Hats off to Max Holloway because Max recognized he was hurt,” Cormier said in a YouTube reaction video. “He was the one that told the referee to stop the fight because he could see that Conor’s knee was blown. He’s a stud and this dude was ready and prepared to win this fight and make things right between him and Conor McGregor.
“Max is one of my good friends. I’m happy that he ultimately got a victory. I know, though, that he will not be satisfied with that because Max Holloway wants to compete. Tonight, he did not get that opportunity.”
Up until the main event, UFC 329 was an entertaining affair, featuring a number of exciting finishes, including a show-stealing submission by Paddy Pimblett against Benoit Saint Denis. However, the conclusion of the card understandably left a bitter taste in the mouths of many viewers.
Cormier compared it to this past October’s dreadful UFC 321 main event, which saw heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall rendered unable to compete after absorbing an ugly eye poke from challenger Ciryl Gane. The bout was ruled a no-contest and Aspinall was subsequently sidelined with injuries to his eyes. UFC 329’s bizarre ending was worse, in Cormier’s opinion.
“UFC 329 was more disappointing to me than Tom Aspinall-Ciryl Gane because at least that fight, we saw them get after it a little bit,” Cormier said. “We get an idea of what a fight between those two guys looked like. Tonight, we did not get that with Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.
“Hopefully, Conor’s not hurt too bad, and hopefully Max gets an opportunity to compete very soon.”
Cormier spoke to Holloway’s striking coach Ivan Flores, who felt the disappointment in real time as McGregor was visibly hurt just seconds into the match.
“He did the jumping kick, the first thing I thought was, ‘Shoot, he lost his footing and slipped,’” Flores said. “When he threw another kick and slipped and fell, I was like, ‘Oh crap.’”
“Of course, [Holloway is] happy with the W and whatnot, but man, this camp was special, you know what I mean?” Flores added. “This camp was different. I haven’t seen Max this locked in in a long time. He was so great. We were talking about preparing for the best version of Conor McGregor this whole time, so we were really excited because we were going to show the world the best version of Max Holloway.”
UFC 329 post-fight press conference.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Brandon Moreno (23-10-2) vs. Joseph Morales (14-2); Noche UFC 4, Sept. 12
Manon Fiorot (13-2) vs. Alexa Grasso (17-5-1); Noche UFC 4, Sept. 12
Mikey Musumeci vs. Bryce Mitchell (BJJ); UFC BJJ, Sept. 24
UFC should release Conor
Or book him against Chandler at an Apex event. His power is gone, he is too expensive, move forward. I dont think he had anything left for fighting and his value just plummeted. Bye, Felicia.
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