McGregor vs. Holloway UFC 329 return fight confirmed? EA Sports releases epic UFC 6 trailer matchup teaser international sports news
second battle between conor mcgregor And Max Holloway is being targeted for UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, according to reports Veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani And among many other outlets, the bout is expected to headline International Fight Week at T-Mobile Arena. The EA Sports UFC 6 trailer has further fueled these speculations, showing a simulated version of the matchup, which is widely seen as one of the clearest indicators of the UFC’s plans, and a fight that remains one of the most anticipated among fans since their first encounter in 2013.The proposed fight would mark McGregor’s first appearance inside the Octagon since a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, a bout in which he broke his leg and extended his absence to nearly five years. McGregor, a former featherweight, lightweight and interim featherweight champion, has been repeatedly linked with comeback plans during that period, although negotiations and injuries have prevented previous returns from materializing. The closest he came to fighting again was in June 2024, when he withdrew from a scheduled bout against Michael Chandler after suffering a toe injury.
Holloway rematch comes into focus again
The current plan calls for McGregor to face Holloway in a rematch of their first meeting in Boston in 2013, when McGregor defeated the then-young Hawaiian by unanimous decision early in Holloway’s UFC career. At the time, Holloway was still establishing himself within the promotion, while McGregor was beginning the run that would eventually turn him into one of the UFC’s biggest commercial stars. More than a decade later, both fighters returned in a proposed rematch with very different resumes. Holloway is a former featherweight and BMF champion whose recent performances have kept him at the top of the division despite a long career built around consistent striking volume and durability. His previous fight ended in defeat against Charles Oliveira in March, though he entered that bout fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Poirier, the same opponent who handed McGregor consecutive stoppage losses in 2021. Prior to Oliveira’s victory, reports had suggested that the UFC intended to match McGregor against the winner of that fight for the BMF title, but Oliveira’s impressive performance against Holloway created uncertainty around those plans. However, according to Helwani’s reporting, the UFC now intends to move forward with McGregor vs. Holloway regardless. The matchup is being prepared as a striking-heavy contest built around two fighters already known for pressure and volume on the feet, especially given Holloway’s preference for extended exchanges and McGregor’s history as one of the promotion’s fastest counter-strikers during his championship years.
UFC 6 trailer fuels speculation
The buzz around the fight intensified this week after EA Sports released the first gameplay trailer for UFC 6, the latest entry in the MMA gaming franchise releasing on PlayStation and Xbox in June. The trailer begins with an extended simulated fight between Holloway and McGregor, a sequence interpreted by many fans as another sign that the UFC expects to headline a real-life matchup at UFC 329. In the footage, Holloway knocks down and finishes off an animated version of McGregor with a boxing combination, effectively reversing the outcome of their first meeting. The trailer later focused on Alex Pereira defeating Cyril Gane after initially being under pressure, with commentator Jon Anik announcing the final sequence.
UFC 6 Trailer Gameplay
Other clips in the trailer show Ilya Topuria firing combinations against Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan, while Khabib Nurmagomedov also appears during promotional footage. EA Sports confirmed Pereira and Holloway as cover athletes for the standard and ultimate editions of the game. “Former UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira and former UFC Featherweight and BMF Champion Max Holloway headline the Standard and Ultimate Edition covers, ushering in a new era of fighter personalities visible in gameplay, allowing players to fight their battles like never before,” the company said in a statement. “This year’s cover athletes demonstrate a modern standard for elite UFC superstardom. Alex Pereira brings his signature blend of precision and raw power to the standard edition cover, while Max Holloway’s relentless speed and unmatched volume comes to life on the Ultimate Edition. His presence on the cover reflects a new era for the franchise where each athlete’s unique movement and mentality are felt in every exchange.“
Holloway acknowledges speculation surrounding McGregor fight
Holloway addressed the rumors himself during an appearance with UFC on Paramount, where he acknowledged the growing speculation surrounding the proposed July matchup, while refusing to confirm a contract had been signed. “I’m seeing all the talk you guys are seeing, I haven’t really heard anything yet, but that wouldn’t be a bad time,” Holloway said. “We have history, we fought a long time ago and I told you guys, if someone gets past me, I want to get them back.” The former BMF champion, who has often described himself as an avid gamer, also talked about appearing on the UFC 6 cover after previously using a combination of UFC games during training sessions early in his MMA career. “It means a lot, man, I’m a gamer and as a kid, you’ve seen covers of any video game and I have a history with the UFC game… It’s crazy man, to be here, to be on the cover, you dream of it as a kid,” he said. Holloway then returned to the topic of McGregor’s comeback. Holloway said, “I would love to have him back, he’s been talking about coming back and everyone’s talking about how really serious he looks, it seems like he’s really been training and really wants to come back to fight, it’s exciting.” “He looks ravenous, he looks ravenous… I have to get my stuff back.” If finalized, the fight will pit one of the UFC’s most recognizable former champions against one of the promotion’s most durable long-term contenders during the organization’s biggest annual showcase week in Las Vegas, more than 13 years after their first meeting in Boston.
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