Max Holloway Enlists Ex-Welterweight Champion to Prepare for Conor McGregor Fight

Published: Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 10:40 am

Holloway Taps Della Maddalena for McGregor Camp; McGregor Relies on Familiar Faces

As the highly anticipated showdown between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor draws nearer, both fighters are meticulously crafting their training camps to gain a competitive edge. Max Holloway has reportedly enlisted the expertise of former welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena to sharpen his skills for the upcoming bout. This collaboration highlights a developing relationship between the two fighters, with Holloway having previously backed Della Maddalena in a significant matchup last year, signaling his high regard for the Australian's abilities in the welterweight division. Holloway has a history of bringing in notable sparring partners, having previously worked with Tyron Woodley in 2019.

In contrast to Holloway's public announcement of his training partner, Conor McGregor has maintained a more secretive approach to his preparations for UFC 329. However, details regarding some of his sparring partners have emerged. McGregor's camp is reportedly bolstered by the inclusion of Dublin-based fighter Lee Hammond. Hammond, who has been a part of McGregor's training circle for over a decade, notably served as a sparring partner for McGregor's memorable fight against Chad Mendes and was an assistant coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31.

Further strengthening McGregor's camp is Eoin Sheridan, a fellow Irishman and welterweight from SBG Ireland. Sheridan's considerable reach and lanky frame are seen as valuable assets in preparing McGregor for Holloway's long-range striking. Rounding out the notable additions is Darragh Kelly, another SBG Ireland product. Despite a recent setback, Kelly's prior undefeated record and experience make him a significant contributor to McGregor's preparation.

With Holloway bringing in a respected welterweight contender and McGregor leaning on a core group of long-time associates, the effectiveness of each fighter's strategic approach will be put to the test on fight night.

BNN's Perspective: The contrasting training camp strategies between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor offer a fascinating glimpse into their individual preparation philosophies. Holloway's decision to bring in a current top-tier welterweight like Jack Della Maddalena suggests a focus on adapting to the physical demands and striking nuances of a larger opponent. This proactive approach, seeking fresh perspectives and challenging sparring, could prove beneficial in simulating the fight night environment. Meanwhile, McGregor's reliance on familiar faces and long-standing training partners speaks to a comfort and trust built over years of shared experience. This established rapport can foster seamless communication and a deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, potentially leading to a highly refined and cohesive camp. Ultimately, both strategies carry inherent risks and rewards, and the success of each will be determined by how effectively they translate into performance when the octagon doors close.

Tags: Max Holloway, Conor McGregor, Jack Della Maddalena, Tyron Woodley, Lee Hammond, Eoin Sheridan, Darragh Kelly, UFC 329, welterweight, featherweight, sparring partners, training camp, SBG Ireland

Full Story