McGregor books July 11 return against Holloway
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- Conor McGregor will return to competition after a five‑year hiatus, facing Max Holloway in a non‑title welterweight bout at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, per UFC CEO Dana White.
- Max Holloway – a former featherweight champion who permanently moved to lightweight in 2025 – comes in with a 1‑1 lightweight record, his most recent fight a five‑round decision loss to Charles Oliveira in March.
- McGregor's 2013 featherweight bout with Holloway, which he won by decision despite tearing his ACL, is being revived at UFC 329.
- McGregor withdrew from a scheduled comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 due to a toe injury.
- Paddy Pimblett will face Benoit Saint Denis in a lightweight co‑main event, with Saint Denis on a four‑fight win streak.
Why it matters: UFC stands to gain a surge in viewership and ticket sales as McGregor ends his five‑year layoff, while rival promotions lose a marquee draw and miss out on associated sponsorship revenue.
