Conor McGregor will return to MMA in the summer: a rematch with Max Holloway is expected

Conor McGregor is close to returning to the Octagon — according to Reuters and other media, the Irishman could have a rematch with Max Holloway this summer, reported xrust. The fight is planned for UFC 329 as part of International Fight Week in Las Vegas. Contracts have not yet been signed, but negotiations are in the final stages.

McGregor is preparing to return after an almost five-year break class=»notranslate»>__GTAG8__

Conor McGregor has not entered the Octagon since July 2021, when he suffered a severe leg fracture in a fight with Dustin Poirier. After surgery and long rehabilitation, he announced his return several times, but the dates were canceled due to injuries and organizational problems.

Now, according to several sources, the UFC intends to return “Notorious” to the main summer tournament of the year — International Fight Week.

Journalist Ariel Helwani reported that the fight with Holloway is “almost ready”, and only force majeure can cancel it.

Max Holloway is already training under McGregor

Max Holloway, former UFC featherweight champion and BMF title holder, confirmed that he is already in training camp for a possible fight with McGregor.

He noted that:

• is ready for revenge later 13 years old,
• wants to “return the favor”,
• considers the fight with Conor a “huge event.”

Holloway also emphasized that the contract has not yet been signed, but he “sees all the same rumors as the fans” and is ready to enter the cage on July 11.

The first fight between McGregor and Holloway: what happened in 2013

Their first fight took place in 2013, when both competed in the featherweight division. Then McGregor won by unanimous decision, despite a knee injury received at the beginning of the fight.

Since then, the fighters' careers have taken different paths:

• McGregor became the first champion in two weight categories in UFC history at the same time, Holloway won the featherweight title and became one of the most technical strikers in the UFC.

Now, 13 years later, the fighters can meet again — already in the lightweight division.

Why the UFC needs this fight so badly

According to Sports Illustrated, the UFC “needs McGregor more than ever” as the summer tournament is set to become the main event of the year.

Reasons:

• McGregor remains the highest-grossing fighter in history UFC,
• his return guarantees record PPV sales,
• a rematch with Holloway is a plot that fans have been waiting for for many years.

In addition, EA Sports stirred up interest by showing in the UFC 6 trailer how Holloway knocks out McGregor — this caused heated discussions on social networks.

Form of fighters: who looks preferable

class=»notranslate»>__GTAG20__ Max Holloway

• actively competes,
• recently lost the BMF title after losing to Charles Oliveira,
• but remains one of the most durable and technical strikers in the UFC.

Conor McGregor

• had not fought for almost five years,
• was recovering from a serious injury,
• held only an exhibition box.

Experts consider Holloway the favorite due to his activity and form, but note that “Conor is always dangerous in the first round.”

What insiders say

Ariel Helwani:

“If the battle does not take place on July 11, then something catastrophic has happened. The UFC is planning exactly this rematch.”

Max Holloway:

“If someone beat me, I want to give it back. And Conor is no exception.»

Insiders also report that the UFC may announce the fight before June 14 — before the tournament in the White House, which will be part of Freedom Fights 250.

When to expect the official announcement

According to SPORTbible, the UFC has already decided on a date — July 11, T‑Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. All that remains is for at least one of the parties to sign the contract.

It is expected that the announcement may appear in the coming weeks.

Background: why McGregor's return is a global event

• McGregor is the most popular fighter in UFC history.
• His fights attract millions of viewers and record PPV sales.
• He became the first UFC champion in two weights at the same time.
• His return has been discussed for several years.

Revenge with Holloway is an ideal plot: history, emotions, intrigue and two bright drummers.

Xrust Conor McGregor will return to MMA in the summer: a rematch with Max Holloway is expected