Conor McGregor Returns to Face Max Holloway at UFC 329

The UFC confirmed former two-division champion Conor McGregor will headline UFC 329 against former featherweight champion Max Holloway in a welterweight bout on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during International Fight Week.

CBS SportsSports IllustratedComplexThe Conor masterstroke in ideal return; Aussie legend’s golden opportunity — Talking PointsConor McGregor’s 5-Year UFC Hiatus Is Officially OverConor McGregor comeback fight officially confirmed as UFC reveal full card detailsCBS SportsConor McGregor Set for First UFC Fight in 5 Years

McGregor’s last UFC appearance was a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier on July 10, 2021, which broke his tibia and fibula. A planned comeback versus Michael Chandler in June 2024 was cancelled after a toe injury. He is 37 with a 22-6 career record (10-4 in the UFC) and a 2-1 welterweight tally. Holloway, a former featherweight champion and BMF title holder, entered the fight after a unanimous-decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March 2025. He is 27-9 (23-9 in the UFC) and has never fought at welterweight. Their 2013 meeting ended with McGregor winning by unanimous decision despite tearing his ACL; Holloway injured his ankle.

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All major sportsbooks list Holloway as the favorite, but odds differ: BetOnline posted McGregor +475 (-450 for Holloway), DraftKings +380 (-500), FanDuel +330 (-480) and BetMGM +350 (-550), later moving Holloway to as low as –700. The bout will be contested at 170 lb (welterweight) over five rounds.

CBS Sports

UFC president Dana White announced the matchup on Instagram, emphasizing McGregor’s return after a five-year hiatus. Coach John Kavanagh said the Irishman is locked in mentally. Holloway, speaking on his YouTube channel, noted “Conor’s got one over me… it would look pretty fun to get that one back with him.”

The Conor masterstroke in ideal return; Aussie legend’s golden opportunity — Talking Points

Analysts cite several concerns: McGregor is 37, has a history of severe injuries, a 1-3 record in his last four UFC fights, and a 15-lb weight increase from featherweight. Legal issues, such as a civil liability finding for sexual assault and an anti-doping suspension, are noted as potential distractions, making him a long-shot underdog.

Conor McGregor’s 5-Year UFC Hiatus Is Officially Over

Sources differ on betting lines: McGregor’s odds range from +330 to +475 and Holloway’s from –480 to –700. Some outlets list Holloway’s post-2023 record as 1-1 after moving to lightweight; others cite a 13-fight win streak before his loss to Oliveira.

Conor McGregor, Max Holloway already engaging in war of words ahead of UFC 329: ‘I’m gonna son you, child’

• “I’m gonna son you, child. Again.” — Conor McGregor, Instagram post

The Conor masterstroke in ideal return; Aussie legend’s golden opportunity — Talking Points

• “You’re gonna put some respect on my motherf**king name.” — Conor McGregor, Instagram post

The Conor masterstroke in ideal return; Aussie legend’s golden opportunity — Talking Points

• “Nah big dog, you’re gonna put some respect on my name.” — Max Holloway, Instagram reply

The Conor masterstroke in ideal return; Aussie legend’s golden opportunity — Talking Points

The result will determine whether McGregor can reestablish himself as a welterweight contender and will shape matchmaking for upcoming UFC events, including potential title opportunities.

Complex