Conor McGregor's first-choice opponent for his long-awaited UFC comeback was Michael Chandler, but he had to settle for Max Holloway instead. The Irishman has not fought since breaking his leg in the first round of his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in 2021. He will return to the cage this summer, facing Holloway in Las Vegas on July 11.
McGregor's Preferred Opponent
McGregor wanted to fight Chandler, a bout that was canceled two years ago due to a broken toe. "Conor really wanted to give [his comeback fight] to Michael Chandler. He just felt Michael deserved it, having gone through the show and experienced that camp, the unfortunate injury and the cancellation of the bout," McGregor's manager Audie Attar told MMA Junkie.
Why the Fight Didn't Happen
Attar explained that despite their efforts, the UFC did not see it as the right move at the time. "Conor really, really wanted that to happen, and we did everything to try to push it. At the time, it just didn't make sense for the UFC, but it doesn't mean that it might not happen in the future. Michael has a great fight ahead of him at the White House (against Mauricio Ruffy), and we wish him the best. We want him to succeed. It can become a reality."
Why Holloway?
Regarding Holloway, Attar noted that McGregor holds a previous win over him from their featherweight days, and Holloway is eager for revenge. "I think, from a Max Holloway perspective, we know we got one on Max, and he wants to get that back. We know they faced each other when they were 145ers, and we know that Max is game, and he's going to put on a great performance. We just felt it was the right match-up." The fight will take place at welterweight (170 pounds), a weight class Holloway agreed to without hesitation.
McGregor's Readiness
Despite the long layoff, McGregor insists he is ready. "The big fight is coming, let's cheers to that. The Mac is back, baby. Let's go. It's like a musical. Music to my ears, it is. I'm out so long, five years. My body's fresh, my mind is sharp. I'm ready to come back. I've got a great opponent. I've got a great deal off the UFC. I'm very, very happy. They honored me, finally."
