Conor McGregor is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon after nearly five years, taking on Max Holloway in a welterweight bout at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11. McGregor, 37, has been out of action since suffering a broken foot during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021. McGregor initially planned to return against Michael Chandler in 2024But the match was canceled due to a fracture in his big toe a few weeks before the competition.

The upcoming fight against Holloway will renew a rivalry that dates back to 2013, when McGregor defeated the Hawaiian by unanimous decision in a featherweight contest. Holloway, now 34, represents a major challenge to the comeback of McGregor, who has been among the elite fighters in the lightweight divisions in recent years.

McGregor takes a dig at Holloway

McGregor, known for his insults and trash talking on social media, took a dig at Holloway right after the fight was made official. Reminding Blessed of the previous result, the Irish star promised to defeat him in the Octagon.

“I’m gonna make you a son, baby. Again,” McGregor said.

One of the biggest names in MMA history, McGregor has a professional record of 22 wins and six losses since beginning his career in 2008. He became the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion after capturing the featherweight title in 2015 and the lightweight crown a year later.

However, the later stages of his career were also filled with many controversies. In 2025, McGregor accepted an 18-month suspension for violating the UFC’s anti-doping rules after missing three drug tests during a 12-month period in 2024.

The suspension, which was applied retroactively from his third missed test in September 2024, officially ended in March. Since then, McGregor has reportedly faced 11 tests by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) this year – the highest number among active UFC fighters.

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