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Max Holloway gets emotional support from Jose Aldo ahead of UFC 329

2026-07-15 · Max Holloway · Match Report

Max Holloway gets emotional support from Jose Aldo ahead of UFC 329

Max Holloway is just hours away from facing Conor McGregor in the UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas on 11 July 2026. The former BMF and UFC featherweight champion received a surprise boost from an old rival: Jose Aldo: who sent a heartwarming message of support ahead of the high-stakes fight.

What happened between Holloway and Aldo?

Holloway and Aldo share a deep history inside the Octagon. Holloway defeated Aldo twice for the UFC featherweight title, including a third-round knockout in their rematch at UFC 218 in 2017. Aldo suffered back-to-back third-round stoppages to Holloway, while Conor McGregor knocked him out in a 13-second blitz at UFC 194: one of the fastest finishes in UFC history.

Aldo retired from MMA after a loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315 last year. He entered the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023. Despite their battles, the two all-time featherweight greats have since built mutual respect off the cage.

Why did Aldo reach out to Holloway?

With UFC 329 looming, Aldo: who fought both men during his UFC tenure: decided to send Holloway a message. The Brazilian legend reached out to the former BMF champ with words of encouragement, calling Holloway “the baddest m---” in a video shared on social media.

Aldo’s public show of support adds another layer to the fight week narrative. Both Holloway and McGregor previously beat Aldo during their UFC featherweight runs, and the Rio native now watches from the outside as the two rivals collide once more.

What’s on the line for Holloway at UFC 329?

Holloway returns after dropping the BMF title to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 earlier this year. A win over McGregor would catapult him back into title contention. For McGregor, another loss could tarnish the legacy of the former two-division champion, who hasn’t fought in five years.

The stakes are clear: a Holloway victory would reaffirm his status among the sport’s elite. A McGregor win would silence critics and keep his own legacy intact. Either way, the fight shapes the future of the UFC featherweight division.

How have rivals reacted to Holloway over the years?

Holloway has earned respect from many of his former foes. Aldo isn’t alone: Brian Ortega, Jeremy Stephens and others have publicly praised his skill and sportsmanship. Their careers remain intertwined through shared rivalries and memorable performances.

Ahead of UFC 329, Aldo’s message underscores the mutual admiration between two of the sport’s most charismatic figures. The emotional send-off only heightens anticipation for the Las Vegas showdown.

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