Dillon Danis, a close confidant and former training partner of Conor McGregor, has expressed strong optimism regarding McGregor’s upcoming return to the octagon. McGregor is set to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329, marking his first fight in nearly two years.
While some observers speculate about potential “ring rust” for McGregor due to his extended hiatus, Danis dismisses this concern. He views ring rust as a purely mental obstacle, one that McGregor, renowned for his mental warfare prowess, is more than capable of overcoming. Danis highlighted McGregor’s exceptional dedication during his preparation.
Speaking with MMA Fighting, Danis revealed that McGregor is “beyond focused” on the rematch with Holloway. He described McGregor as living in the gym, bringing in elite training partners, and meticulously eliminating all distractions to ensure a stellar performance. Danis noted that McGregor’s current level of dedication is unprecedented.
“He has always been a dedicated guy,” Danis stated. “Obviously, everyone knows his history. The injuries and other issues. But him not attending the White House card. Like I said before, he’s living in the gym. He’s bringing in tough training partners. He’s focused. He’s beyond focused. I’ve never seen him this dialed in… It’s a different kind of dedication that he has right now.”
Danis also commented on McGregor’s physical condition, asserting that his conditioning looks excellent. He believes that the bout, scheduled for 170 pounds, will significantly benefit McGregor. Danis confidently predicts a dominant win for his friend.
“He is gonna clean Max. I’m telling you. At that weight and the way his body is looking and the way he is training and the way he’s putting in the dedication and the hours. There is no one that can come back from a layoff [and shine like Conor]. I don’t believe in ring rust. I’ve been out for a long time, and I come back, and I think ring rust is a mindset, and anybody who’s going to beat a mindset is Conor.”
Furthermore, Danis suggested that Holloway will be an easy opponent for McGregor. He anticipates McGregor will secure a knockout victory, potentially in the second or third round, and then set his sights on current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, a fighter Danis openly dislikes.
“People are really, really underestimating him [Conor]. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m telling you. The old Conor McGregor… He is going to hurt Max really badly. I think he’s going to knock out Max, and then it’s going to be him and Islam [Makhachev]. I don’t think it makes it past three rounds. Maybe two. I think he cleans his jaw.”
The prospect of a McGregor vs. Makhachev fight has circulated previously. Last year, after Makhachev achieved two-division championship status, McGregor expressed admiration and interest in a potential bout.
McGregor appears to have ambitious plans for his return, potentially aiming for a rare “triple crown” achievement by winning a title in a third weight division.