Korean UFC Fighters and Legends Chan Sung Jung, Dong Hyun Kim and Doo Ho Choi break down Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway and share their UFC 329 predictions.
As UFC 329 draws near, the long-awaited rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway has become one of the most talked-about fights in mixed martial arts. More than 13 years after their first meeting inside the Octagon, the two fan favorites will meet again under dramatically different circumstances. McGregor returns after nearly five years away from competition, while Holloway enters the bout as one of the most accomplished and durable fighters of his generation.
The matchup has sparked debate across the MMA world, including among some of the most accomplished Korean UFC fighters in history.
Former UFC contenders Chan Sung Jung, Dong Hyun Kim, and current UFC contender Doo Ho Choi recently offered their predictions and tactical breakdowns of the fight. While all three praised McGregor’s striking ability and acknowledged Holloway’s relentless pace, they reached different conclusions about who will leave UFC 329 victorious.
Two believe Holloway’s pressure and cardio will ultimately prevail. One believes McGregor still possesses the tools to remind the world why he became one of the biggest stars the sport has ever seen.
Chan Sung Jung Trusts Holloway’s Pace Over Five Rounds
Few Korean UFC fighters understand Max Holloway better than Chan Sung Jung.
The former featherweight title challenger shared the Octagon with Holloway in 2023, giving him firsthand experience against the Hawaiian’s trademark pace and striking volume. That experience heavily influenced Jung’s prediction.
While Jung acknowledged McGregor remains one of MMA’s most dangerous counter strikers, he questioned whether the former two-division champion can maintain that explosiveness after nearly five years away from competition. He also expressed concern that McGregor’s move to welterweight and additional muscle could negatively affect his conditioning in a scheduled five-round fight.
Another question mark for Jung is McGregor’s surgically repaired leg.
Throughout his championship run, McGregor relied heavily on powerful kicks and explosive movement to create openings for his left hand. Jung believes it remains to be seen whether those weapons will carry the same effectiveness after such a serious injury.
Despite picking Holloway, Jung did not dismiss McGregor’s chances.
Instead, he believes the Irish superstar’s path to victory comes early. If McGregor can land his signature left hand within the opening rounds, the fight could end quickly. If Holloway survives that initial danger, however, Jung expects the former featherweight champion’s relentless pace and volume to gradually take control of the fight.
Dong Hyun Kim Believes McGregor Still Has Championship-Level Ability
Unlike the other Korean UFC fighters featured in this discussion, Dong Hyun Kim is backing Conor McGregor.
Kim’s prediction is based on more than film study.
During a recent trip to Ireland, the former UFC welterweight contender had the opportunity to train and spar with McGregor. The experience left him convinced that the former champion remains an elite athlete despite his lengthy absence from competition.
According to Kim, McGregor’s timing, accuracy, and striking ability remain exceptional. He also rejected the idea that McGregor has abandoned serious training because of his business ventures, explaining that everything he witnessed suggested McGregor continues to prepare like a professional fighter.
From a stylistic perspective, Kim believes McGregor’s increased size could become a major factor.
He suggested that fans may be overlooking McGregor’s ability to mix in clinch work and wrestling if necessary, potentially forcing Holloway into situations very different from their first meeting more than a decade ago.
Kim also admitted his prediction carries a personal element.
Having trained alongside McGregor and developed a friendship with him, he openly acknowledged that he hopes to see his friend make a successful return at UFC 329.
Doo Ho Choi Sees Holloway’s Style as the Difference
Doo Ho Choi ultimately arrived at the same prediction as Chan Sung Jung, but for different reasons.
Rather than focusing primarily on cardio, Choi believes Holloway’s fighting style presents a uniquely difficult challenge for McGregor.
According to Choi, McGregor’s greatest weapon has always been his ability to punish hesitant opponents with perfectly timed counters. Holloway, however, rarely gives opponents that luxury.
Instead of waiting on the outside, Choi expects Holloway to pressure forward behind combinations, forcing McGregor to defend rather than comfortably set traps with his trademark left hand. Holloway’s willingness to throw in volume rather than search for single power shots makes him an especially difficult stylistic matchup for McGregor.
Choi also believes too much attention has been placed on their first meeting in 2013.
In his view, Holloway has evolved into a completely different fighter over the past decade. While McGregor successfully incorporated grappling during their first bout, Choi believes Holloway’s defensive wrestling and overall MMA game have improved enough to make that strategy far less effective in the rematch.
What These Korean UFC Fighters Agree On
Although their predictions differ, the three Korean UFC fighters share several important opinions about the matchup.
First, none questioned McGregor’s ability to end the fight early. His timing, precision, and knockout power remain among the most dangerous weapons in mixed martial arts.
Second, all three praised Holloway’s remarkable durability, cardio, and striking volume. Regardless of who they picked, each agreed that Holloway becomes increasingly dangerous as the fight progresses.
Finally, all three emphasized that the opening rounds will likely determine the outcome.
If McGregor lands early, he could complete one of the most memorable comebacks in UFC history. If Holloway survives the initial storm, his pace and pressure could slowly overwhelm the former champion over five rounds.
Final Thoughts
The split predictions from Chan Sung Jung, Dong Hyun Kim, and Doo Ho Choi highlight exactly why Conor McGregor versus Max Holloway remains one of the most compelling fights of the year.
Jung sees Holloway’s conditioning and volume carrying him to victory. Choi believes Holloway’s pressure-heavy boxing style is specifically designed to neutralize McGregor’s counter-striking game. Kim, meanwhile, trusts what he witnessed firsthand in Ireland and believes McGregor still possesses championship-caliber abilities capable of changing the fight with a single moment.
Whether McGregor completes a historic comeback or Holloway adds another signature victory to his remarkable career, one thing is certain: when some of the most accomplished Korean UFC fighters in history break down a fight, their perspectives offer valuable insight into the technical details that often separate elite fighters from everyone else.
For fans following Korean MMA and the global UFC landscape, UFC 329 promises to deliver one of the year’s most fascinating stylistic matchups.
Full fighter analysis for Conor Mcgregor vs. Max Holloway courtesy of Korean Zombie, tvN sports, and Doo Ho Choi’s youtube channels.
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