Dricus du Plessis Picks McGregor to KO Holloway at UFC 329

Dricus du Plessis told South African bettors on July 5 that he expects Conor McGregor to finish Max Holloway at UFC 329, then turns his focus to a headline fight with Kamaru Usman on July 18 in Oklahoma.

What did du Plessis say about McGregor vs. Holloway?

In a Betway South Africa interview, du Plessis declared, “I’m a massive Conor fan… I’m also a massive Max fan… I’m going with ‘The Mac’, I’m never going against him.” He believes McGregor’s timing and power can end the rematch early, citing Ilia Topuria’s knockout of Holloway as proof that the featherweight can be stopped.

Why does his opinion matter?

Du Plessis is the reigning former UFC middleweight champion, having vacated the belt after a loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. His insight carries weight with fans and oddsmakers; betting lines have tightened as the July 6 event approaches. The South African’s endorsement adds a local voice to a fight that will be broadcast worldwide from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

How does this fit into du Plessis’ own schedule?

Just two weeks after UFC 329, du Plessis is set to headline UFC Fight Night Oklahoma City on July 18 against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. The bout marks the UFC’s first visit to Oklahoma since 2017 and offers du Plessis a chance to rebound from his 2024 loss to Chimaev. A win could thrust him back into middleweight title contention.

What are the stakes for the upcoming Oklahoma fight?

Usman, a former UFC welterweight champion, brings a veteran pedigree that makes the July 18 matchup a potential career-defining moment for du Plessis. A victory would not only avenge his recent setback but also position him as a top contender for the middleweight belt, which remains vacant after Chimaev’s recent title defense.

How will the McGregor-Holloway rematch affect du Plessis’ marketability?

If McGregor delivers the knockout du Plessis predicts, the buzz surrounding the event could boost viewership for the Oklahoma card. Du Plessis’ name will appear in pre-fight promos, increasing his profile in both South African and global markets. Even a close fight could keep the spotlight on his upcoming showdown with Usman.

What’s next for du Plessis after July 18?

Should du Plessis defeat Usman, UFC officials are expected to line up a title eliminator against the next highest-ranked middleweight. The timing aligns with the promotion’s summer schedule, meaning a potential title shot could materialize before the end of the year.

Key dates: July 5-du Plessis interview; July 6-UFC 329 in Las Vegas; July 18-du Plessis vs. Usman in Oklahoma City.