Conor McGregor next fight: Irish superstar set for return against Max Holloway in July

Conor McGregor is back. After a five-year hiatus, the former two-division champion is set to make his return at UFC 329 in July when he takes on former featherweight champion Max Holloway. The promotion announced the blockbuster main event of International Fight Week in Las Vegas on Saturday night during the UFC Fight Night broadcast.

McGregor and Holloway were early in their careers when they first fought in 2013. McGregor had only fought once before in the UFC, while Holloway was entering his 10th professional fight. Both men etched their names into the history books in the years that followed.

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McGregor hasn’t fought in five years, almost until the day of UFC 329. “The Notorious” suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier on July 10, 2021. That loss cost him his trilogy with Poirier, which Holloway retired from last year. McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in 2024 after training against each other on “The Ultimate Fighter.” However, McGregor withdrew from the fight with a toe injury.

McGregor’s defeat was a turning point in Holloway’s career. He had a 13-fight unbeaten streak, winning the UFC featherweight championship and becoming an all-time great at that weight. After permanently moving up to lightweight, Holloway won the ceremonial BMF title and set several striking records.

The McGregor-Holloway rematch comes at an important time in their careers. Holloway, who recently lost to Charles Oliveira, is on a revenge tour. This hopefully includes a rematch with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria down the line.

The UFC has announced several compelling fights to support the huge main event. Paddy Pimblett, one fight away from losing an interim lightweight title fight, faces rising knockout artist Benoit Saint Denis. Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson makes UFC debut against Elisha Ellison. Other notable fights include Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista and a key flyweight fight between Brandon Royval and Lone’er Kavanagh.