Conor McGregor's long-awaited UFC comeback has been officially announced. The former two-division champion will face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, marking his first fight in five years.
Return After Injury and Layoff
The 'Notorious' has not competed since suffering a broken leg in a defeat to long-time rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. McGregor was scheduled to return in 2024 against Michael Chandler but was forced to withdraw due to injury. Many questioned whether the 37-year-old would ever step back into the octagon, despite recent training clips hinting at a comeback. McGregor has not won a fight since knocking out Donald Cerrone in under a minute six years ago.
Fight Capital of the World
Traditionally, the UFC goes big on International Fight Week, and while McGregor hoped to compete on the White House card in June, his return will take place in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world.
Social Media Exchange
Following the announcement, McGregor posted on X: "I'm gonna son you, child. Again." He added: "You're gonna put respect on my motherf****** name." Holloway replied: "Nah big dog you gonna put some respect on my name."
History Between the Fighters
McGregor and Holloway first fought in 2013 when both were climbing the featherweight ranks. The Irishman claimed a decision win over the Hawaiian. Since then, both have had remarkable careers. Holloway, 34, went unbeaten in his next 10 fights, including wins over Charles Oliveira, Jeremy Stephens, and Anthony Pettis, earning a title shot against Jose Aldo in 2017. He won the belt with a third-round knockout and defended it three times before three losses to Alexander Volkanovski prompted a move to lightweight.
Holloway won the 'BMF' title two years ago with a stunning KO over Justin Gaethje, defended it against Dustin Poirier, but was convincingly beaten by Oliveira earlier this year at UFC 326.
McGregor, from Dublin, signed with the UFC in 2013 and quickly became a star. After defeating Poirier, Holloway, and Chad Mendes, he faced Aldo for the featherweight title in 2015, knocking him out in 13 seconds. A year later, he became the UFC's first simultaneous two-division champion by stopping Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205. Since then, he has fought only four times, including a loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor still aims to win another world title and hopes a victory over Holloway will set him on that path.
Stacked Card
UFC 329 features several high-profile fights. Paddy Pimblett returns for the first time since his defeat to Gaethje, facing surging contender Benoit Saint-Denis. England's Leon Edwards looks to get back in the win column against Daniel Rodriguez, while Jon Jones protege Gable Steveson makes his UFC debut.
