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McGregor Returns After Five Years, Faces Holloway at UFC329

5/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Conor McGregor returns to the octagon after five years to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026.
The bout is set as a non-title welterweight contest.
Max Holloway enters the fight after a unanimous-decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March.
McGregor previously withdrew from a 2024 comeback against Michael Chandler because of a toe injury.

History

Historical Context

When Brock Lesnar re-entered the octagon at UFC 200 in July 2016, his $2.5 million purse proved veteran returns could revive sales. Years later, the UFC still banks on established stars, a strategy promoted by Dana White, to boost revenue and global interest. This pattern echoes the promotion’s historic reliance on marquee athletes to attract pay-per-view buys and fill arenas.

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Story summary

Conor McGregor returns to the octagon after five years to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026.
The bout is set as a non-title welterweight contest.
Max Holloway enters the fight after a unanimous-decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March.
McGregor previously withdrew from a 2024 comeback against Michael Chandler because of a toe injury.

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