Conor McGregor Makes His Case as UFC's Featherweight GOAT Ahead of Max Holloway Fight

Conor McGregor is hoping to make a statement in his return fight against Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on Saturday.

While McGregor and Holloway's fight will take place in the welterweight division, the Irishman told ESPN's Brett Okamoto that he wants to remind the MMA world that he's the greatest featherweight ever to compete in the Octagon.

"I have many things I have taken into this camp that have been fuel to my fire," McGregor told Okamoto. "One, the greatest featherweight of all time. This ranking system of the greatest featherweights; I've beaten these men, but I'm not on the list. How have I beaten these men easily and handedly, and been kept from the list? That's why I love Max as an opponent. He's fought so many people. He has a very impressive body of work in the Octagon. He's a future Hall of Famer. Now, I get to showcase my level."

McGregor started his UFC career at featherweight, going undefeated in the 145-pound division from 2013 to 2015 and defeating Jose Aldo for the UFC featherweight championship with a 13-second knockout. However, he never defended his featherweight title before seeking bigger opportunities outside of the division.

Holloway, who lost to McGregor by decision in 2013 when he was 21 years old, is considered one of the greatest featherweights of all time, along with Aldo and Alexander Volkanovski. He put together a legendary 14-fight win streak in the 145-pound division from 2014 to 2019, which included two wins over Aldo and four title defenses.

McGregor acknowledged that defending the title at 145 pounds is what separates him from Holloway, Aldo and Volkanovski, but he feels his skills surpass any of them.

"That's a fair shout," McGregor said about the lack of title defenses. "I understand the 'whys' of it, but you cannot get caught in all of that. What is the skill? Who is the greatest? Who is the best? It's me. And I will have the results to show it. I am the greatest featherweight since Bruce Lee, and on Saturday I will show it."