Jorge Masvidal, the American professional boxer and former mixed martial arts standout, has publicly dismissed Conor McGregor’s claims of total immersion in his training camp ahead of UFC 329. In comments reported on June 2, 2026, Masvidal took aim at the Irishman’s recent statements regarding his isolation and preparation for his upcoming bout against Max Holloway. Masvidal, who holds the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history, argued that McGregor’s “living in the gym” rhetoric will not compensate for the activity and momentum of his opponent.
The veteran fighter, often referred to by his nickname “Gamebred,” spoke out on the Deep Waters podcast following McGregor’s recent updates. Conor McGregor had previously claimed in May that he was “living, breathing and sleeping in the gym” at bases in his own facility and that of his coach, John Kavanagh. Masvidal remains unimpressed by the narrative. “I don’t care. Sleeping in a garage everyday doesn’t make you a car,” Masvidal said, questioning whether static training can replicate the sharp instincts of a fighter who competes regularly.
McGregor is currently preparing for a return at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, where he is scheduled to face Max Holloway in a welterweight bout. This fight serves as a high-stakes rematch of their August 2013 encounter, which McGregor won via unanimous decision despite suffering a torn ACL during the match. However, Masvidal pointed to the vast difference in their recent activity levels as the deciding factor for the 2026 showdown. While McGregor has not competed since 2021, Max Holloway has remained remarkably active, often fighting twice a year against premier opposition.
Weight of inactivity against Max Holloway
Masvidal’s skepticism is rooted in the “cage rust” that typically follows a multi-year layoff. McGregor has been sidelined since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, and also served an 18-month ban for “whereabouts failures” that only expired this past March. In contrast, Holloway has consistently tested himself against the world’s best, even as Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez manage their own late-career trajectories in other combat disciplines.
“I don’t care how much he’s been sleeping in what,” Masvidal added during the podcast. “Max’s been doing this. That’s the one thing we know.” He emphasized that Holloway’s resilience and frequent appearances in the octagon make him a favorite. Masvidal was blunt in his prediction, stating he has Holloway “smoking this dude,” regardless of whether McGregor is sleeping in a gym or a “five-star hotel.”
McGregor, for his part, insists that the long time away has been beneficial. The former two-division champion recently described his mind as sharp and his body as fresh. He likened his return to a “musical” and described his previous win over Holloway as “martial arts mastery.” Holloway, however, has evolved since their first meeting, moving permanently to the lightweight division in 2025 and most recently dropping a decision to Charles Oliveira in March 2026.
Jorge Masvidal eyes a potential McGregor clash
The verbal sparring may be more than just objective analysis; Jorge Masvidal has long expressed an interest in fighting McGregor himself. Although Masvidal retired from MMA in 2023, he has kept the door open for a comeback. In March 2026, he referred to the Irishman as a “coward” and claimed that McGregor has never accepted a fight against him. Masvidal maintains he is the superior stand-up fighter and “a lot meaner” than the Dublin native.
The dynamic between these three fighters creates a tense atmosphere leading into the summer season in Las Vegas. Much like how Andy Ruiz Jr. is nearing a comeback after his own periods of inactivity, McGregor faces the difficult task of proving that his natural talent and “gym life” can overcome the lack of competitive rhythm. Masvidal, meanwhile, continues to use his platform to challenge McGregor’s standing in the sport.
UFC 329 is poised to be one of the year’s most significant events, with the McGregor-Holloway welterweight clash serving as the focal point. Whether McGregor can replicate his 2013 success or if Masvidal’s “garage” analogy proves accurate remains to be seen. As the Gualtieri-Jones IBF Middleweight bout and other top-tier matchups approach, the pressure on McGregor to deliver a successful return continues to mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway taking place?
The fight is scheduled to take place at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas. The bout is reported to be contested in the welterweight division, marking McGregor’s return after a five-year competitive hiatus.
What did Jorge Masvidal say about McGregor’s training camp?
Jorge Masvidal mocked McGregor’s claim of “living in the gym” during an appearance on the Deep Waters podcast. He stated, “Sleeping in a garage everyday doesn’t make you a car,” arguing that McGregor’s training habits cannot match Max Holloway’s consistent fight activity.
What happened when McGregor and Holloway first fought?
Conor McGregor and Max Holloway first fought in August 2013 in a featherweight bout. McGregor won by unanimous decision, a win that was notable because he managed to finish the fight despite suffering a torn ACL.
