Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited return to the octagon at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, facing Max Holloway in the main event. The Irishman has not competed since breaking his leg in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. After an abandoned comeback attempt against Michael Chandler in 2024, the former featherweight and lightweight champion aims to prove he can still compete at the highest level.
McGregor vs Holloway: A Rematch Years in the Making
McGregor and Holloway first met at a UFC Fight Night event in 2013, with McGregor winning by decision. Holloway has since become a UFC legend, fighting eight times since McGregor's last bout. He knocked out Justin Gaethje, sent Poirier into retirement, and lost the symbolic 'BMF' title to Charles Oliveira in March. Holloway seeks to avenge his earlier defeat.
Pimblett vs Saint Denis Co-Main Event
Before McGregor's return, Paddy Pimblett battles Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event. Pimblett aims to rebound from his first UFC defeat against Gaethje in January, looking to re-enter the lightweight title mix.
UFC 329 Fight Card and Start Time
The first fights begin at 10pm BST. The event is available on TNT Sports Box Office. The full fight card includes McGregor vs Holloway, Pimblett vs Saint Denis, and preliminary bouts.
Early Prelims Recap
The early prelims concluded with Wang Cong defeating Tracy Cortez by unanimous decision (29-27 on all scorecards). Wang called out women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, whom she previously beat in a kickboxing bout in 2015. In the previous fight, Damian Pinas knocked out Cesar Almeida in the first round with a brutal right hand, showing sportsmanship by hesitating to inflict further damage.
Wang Cong vs Tracy Cortez
Wang dominated Cortez with sharp calf kicks and striking, bloodying Cortez's mouth and damaging her left calf. Cortez attempted a takedown and guillotine in round one but failed. Wang's corner urged her to focus on wrestling, but Wang continued to control the fight. Cortez's face showed significant damage, especially around her right eye.
Damian Pinas vs Cesar Almeida
Pinas, a Surinamese middleweight prospect, improved his UFC record with a first-round KO. Almeida threw a kick but was caught by a right hand, falling backward. Pinas waited for the referee to stop the fight, earning praise for his sportsmanship. Almeida, a former kickboxer, had won three of five UFC bouts before this loss.
Upcoming Fights
The main prelim card features Luke Riley vs Kai Kamaka III in a featherweight contest. Riley, from Liverpool and a stablemate of Paddy Pimblett, is 13-0. The main card will follow with the highly anticipated McGregor vs Holloway and Pimblett vs Saint Denis bouts.
