McGregor to face Holloway in UFC 329 main event after five-year absence
The promotion has confirmed the highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, marking the end of a long hiatus for the former two-division champion.
Conor McGregor is set to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship after a five-year absence, facing former featherweight champion Max Holloway at UFC 329. The bout has been confirmed as the main event for International Fight Week, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on July 11. The announcement was made during a UFC Fight Night broadcast on Saturday night, ending speculation regarding the Irish superstar’s next appearance in the Octagon.
This matchup serves as a rematch of their initial encounter in August 2013, a period when both fighters were early in their professional careers. At that time, McGregor had competed in only one UFC bout, while Holloway was making his 10th professional appearance. The current contest will see McGregor, a former two-division champion, step into the welterweight division against Holloway, who has permanently moved to the lightweight category following previous stints at welterweight.
McGregor’s return follows a significant period of inactivity complicated by physical setbacks. His last fight occurred on July 10, 2021, when he suffered a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier due to a broken leg, a defeat that ended his trilogy with Poirier. Although McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler in 2024 following their rivalry on The Ultimate Fighter, he withdrew from that bout due to a toe injury.
Holloway enters the contest with a professional record of 27-9 and a 1-1 record since shifting to lightweight in 2025. The Hawaiian fighter has enjoyed considerable success since McGregor’s 2021 loss, including a 13-fight unbeaten streak, winning the UFC featherweight championship, and capturing the ceremonial BMF title. Holloway recently suffered a five-round decision loss to Charles Oliveira in March and is reportedly pursuing a rematch with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
UFC 329 features a robust supporting card designed to complement the headline bout. The event includes Paddy Pimblett facing Benoit Saint Denis, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson making his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison, and a flyweight clash between Brandon Royval and Lone'er Kavanagh. Additional notable bouts feature Cory Sandhagen against Mario Bautista, rounding out a card that underscores the promotion’s focus on high-profile matchups during International Fight Week.
