Conor McGregor's return to the UFC is officially confirmed, as the former champion prepares to face Max Holloway at UFC 329. The bout will take place on July 11 at Las Vegas's T-Mobile Arena, marking McGregor's first fight in five years.
McGregor's Long-Awaited Comeback
The Irishman (22-6) has not fought since suffering a broken leg in a 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier. A planned comeback against Michael Chandler was derailed two years ago when McGregor broke his toe on short notice. Now, he will step into the octagon against Holloway (27-9) at welterweight, three days before turning 38.
This contest is a rematch of their 2013 encounter, which McGregor won by decision early in both fighters' UFC tenures. Holloway, 34, is a former featherweight champion and a UFC great, with wins over Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Jose Aldo. However, he was dominated by Oliveira in March, losing the "Baddest Motherf*****" title.
McGregor's Legacy and Legal Issues
McGregor became the UFC's first dual-weight champion during his prime, knocking out Aldo in 13 seconds and stopping Eddie Alvarez at Madison Square Garden. He also traded wins with Nate Diaz before a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Since then, he has fought only three times, including a submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov and two bouts with Poirier in 2021.
In recent years, McGregor has faced legal troubles, including a 2024 civil court verdict finding him liable for sexual assault in Dublin. He continues to deny all allegations.
UFC 329 and the White House Event
McGregor's return comes one month after the UFC hosts an unprecedented fight card at the White House on June 14, celebrating the 80th birthday of US President Donald Trump and 250 years of the United States.
