Sports

Joe Rogan Enjoys Conor McGregor and Max Holloway's Heated Trash Talk Ahead of UFC 329

Just one month away from their blockbuster fight at UFC 329, Conor McGregor and Max Holloway shared a brief back-and-forth virtual call mediated by UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, part of which aired in between fights at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn.

The clip showed both fighters talking over each other, trying to win the war of words. In between them was Joe Rogan, who seemed to be reveling in the trash talk and trying his best not to laugh whenever the fighters said something witty.

(Via UFC on Paramount+ on X):

"No disrespect, Max. You're not going to lay a glove on me," McGregor said in the beginning of the short clip. "Even if you do, I'm going to laugh in your face. It's another world here against me, and it's another world at this weight. I'm going to come out of this bout unscathed and in all glory. ... I'm going to come out of this bout unscathed."

Holloway was quick to fire back, saying, "We talk about ancestors, we talk about warriors, but I'm the Hawaiian warrior, brother. I'm going to touch your face over and over again, brother."

 Max Holloway reacts after defeating Justin Gaethje during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena.  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Max Holloway reacts after defeating Justin Gaethje during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

He also made fun of McGregor's "Mystic Mac" persona, saying, "I already know this brother, ‘Mystic Max,' brother. Welcome to the ‘Mystic Max' era. Welcome back."

"Return of the Max, July 11th, a bunch of gloves is going to get laid on that pretty face, keep it clean for me, brother," Holloway predicted.

During Max's response, McGregor was exclaiming, "Relax and be quiet while I speak!"

While Holloway was responding, McGregor also addressed Rogan, saying, "Joe, Max is my child, excuse his potty mouth. Excuse his rudeness, Joe."

 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland prepares to fight Dustin Poirier during the UFC 264 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Conor McGregor / Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland prepares to fight Dustin Poirier during the UFC 264 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Conor McGregor / Getty Images Conor McGregor / Getty Images

McGregor also referenced Holloway's performance against Calvin Kattar back in 2021, when he proclaimed, "I'm the best boxer in the UFC, baby!"

"He says he's the best boxer in the UFC? I'm going to box his ears off with my hands down," McGregor remarked.

Holloway referenced McGregor's performances against Dustin Poirier and Floyd Mayweather, saying, "You ain't going to box sh-. We saw the last time what happened in boxing. You ain't boxing sh-."

Full Interview

The full interview was posted to YouTube the following day:

McGregor spoke about their first meeting and how he feels slighted that fans and media place Holloway above him in conversations about the greatest featherweight of all time.

McGregor asked Rogan rhetorically, "Do you know Joe, I've sat by and listened to people claim this man to be the no. 1 pound-for-pound featherweight of all time when I son'd him at that weight?"

 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Conor McGregor poses during a ceremonial weigh in for UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 09, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Stacy Revere/Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Conor McGregor poses during a ceremonial weigh in for UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 09, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Stacy Revere/Getty Images Stacy Revere/Getty Images

McGregor refers to their first fight at UFC Fight Night 26 back in August 2013 at the TD Garden in Boston, which he won handily:

"He got son'd in the Octagon, in Boston. I put my big Irish paws on your face, and I'm going to do it again," he quipped.

Holloway, not one to take the insult lying down, responded with an interesting tidbit about their first fight.

"Blessed" responded with a rhetorical question of his own, saying, "Did you know, Joe, that he did say that he was going to strike with me the whole time, but he got injured in the fight and went for a takedown?"

 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 05: Max Holloway is seen on stage during the UFC 326 press conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 05, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 05: Max Holloway is seen on stage during the UFC 326 press conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 05, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Rogan asked Holloway, who has never fought at welterweight, about his feelings going into a fight at 170 lbs.

"Brother, this is just another fight. This is just another fight. You keep talking about weight this weight that, I've been the smallest guy in my gym most of the time throughout my career, so I can't wait for it, man."

Holloway also commented on McGregor momentarily leaving the video call.

"He left because he's all f- zoomed up. I can't wait, just show up July 11, brother. Oh, he's back! There it is. Yes sir," Holloway joked, eliciting laughter out of both Rogan and McGregor.

The two ended the call with a show of respect, with Holloway saying, "It's all love always, Conor. Just can't wait, bruh. I'll see you on July 11th, Ninth Island. It's going to be fun."

"All love, bro, all love," McGregor responded.

McGregor ended the call with one last message to the camera, saying, "McGregor's back baby! See you on July 11th! God bless!"

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER