McGregor is all set to make his return to UFC (Courtesy: Reuters)

Conor McGregor to make UFC return after five years, to face Max Holloway in July

Conor McGregor will return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11 after nearly five years away. The bout revives an old rivalry and McGregor has already taken a jibe at his rival ahead of the clash.

by · India Today

In Short

  • McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg against Poirier
  • A planned 2024 comeback against Michael Chandler collapsed after a fractured toe
  • McGregor beat Holloway by unanimous decision when they first met in 2013

Conor McGregor is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon after nearly five years, taking on Max Holloway in a welterweight clash at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11. The 37-year-old has been out of action since suffering a broken leg during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021. McGregor had initially planned a comeback against Michael Chandler in 2024, but the bout was cancelled after he fractured a toe just weeks before the event.

The upcoming fight against Holloway will renew a rivalry that dates back to 2013, when McGregor defeated the Hawaiian by unanimous decision in a featherweight contest. Holloway, now 34, represents a major challenge for McGregor’s comeback, having remained among the elite fighters across the lighter divisions in recent years.

MCGREGOR TAKES JIBE AT HOLLOWAY

Known for his insults and trash talk on social media, McGregor took a jibe Holloway, right after the fight was made official. Reminding The Blessed one of the previous result, the Irish star promised to beat him against in the octagon.

"I’m gonna son you, child. Again," said McGregor.

McGregor sent a warning to Holloway (Courtesy: McGregor X)

One of the biggest names in MMA history, McGregor owns a professional record of 22 wins and six losses since beginning his career in 2008. He became the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion after capturing the featherweight title in 2015 and the lightweight crown a year later.

However, the latter stages of his career have also been marked by several controversies. In 2025, McGregor accepted an 18-month suspension for breaching the UFC’s anti-doping rules after missing three drug tests during a 12-month span in 2024.

The suspension, which was retroactively applied from his third missed test in September 2024, officially ended in March. Since then, McGregor has reportedly undergone 11 tests by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) this year — the highest number among active UFC fighters.

- Ends