McGregor returns to face Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11

Conor McGregor is set to end a five-year absence from the UFC on Saturday, July 11, 2026, when he faces Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The welterweight bout is a rematch 13 years in the making, with their first encounter occurring on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston, where McGregor won by unanimous decision.

McGregor, 37, has not competed since breaking his leg in a trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His return has generated significant anticipation, with UFC announcer Bruce Buffer noting the event sold out in minutes. "He still holds that draw, he still holds that appeal," Buffer said. The event will be streamed on Paramount, with a live weigh-in special airing on CBS on Friday, July 10.

Holloway, the former featherweight champion, has remained active during McGregor's hiatus, competing eight times since their last meeting. He acknowledges the potential advantage of his recent activity but also sees a possible benefit in McGregor's extended rest. "There is the other side of someone just being able to not cut weight, not training for a little bit, just resting," Holloway said. He has prepared for the...