Main Event Features McGregor’s Return
The highly anticipated return of Conor McGregor to the Octagon is set to headline UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2. The event, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026, marks McGregor’s first fight in five years. He will face Max Holloway in a rematch, 13 years after their initial encounter where McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory.
McGregor, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland, holds a professional record of 22-6. His opponent, Holloway, from Waianae, HI, enters the bout with a record of 27-9. Holloway, a former BMF and featherweight champion, aims to avenge his 2013 loss to McGregor and achieve another significant milestone in his career. The main event is scheduled for five rounds.
Holloway has expressed his desire not just to defeat McGregor, but to do so in a competitive fight that could lead to a rematch later in the year. He stated at the UFC 329 media day that he intends to make McGregor believe he can still compete, setting the stage for a potential second rematch. Holloway also acknowledged the financial benefits of fighting McGregor, describing it as a lucrative opportunity.
The narrative surrounding McGregor’s return includes questions about his motivation and fitness, particularly after breaking his leg in July 2021. Despite having only one win in four MMA fights over the past decade, McGregor remains a prominent figure in combat sports. Holloway, however, is preparing for the most dangerous version of McGregor, dismissing notions that the former champion might be past his prime or out of shape.
Co-Main Event and Other Key Bouts
The co-main event features a lightweight clash between Benoît Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett. Saint Denis, ranked No. 5 in the lightweight division and fighting out of Paris, France, has a record of 17-3 with 1 No Contest. He looks to solidify his standing against the No. 6 ranked Pimblett, from Liverpool, England, who holds a record of 23-5. Pimblett is coming off a decision loss to current champion Justin Gaethje in January.
A bantamweight bout is also on the main card, with No. 4 ranked contender Cory Sandhagen facing No. 7 ranked Mario Bautista. Sandhagen, fighting out of Aurora, CO, has a record of 18-6 and is returning to the Octagon for the first time since his title fight against Merab Dvalishvili. Bautista, from Phoenix, AZ, enters with a record of 17-3 and has won nine of his last ten fights.
In the flyweight division, former title challenger and No. 4 ranked contender Brandon Royval will meet No. 6 ranked Lone’er Kavanagh. Royval, fighting out of Denver, CO, has a record of 17-9, while Kavanagh, from London, England, holds a record of 10-1. This matchup is expected to showcase two dynamic strikers.
Opening Main Card Action
The main card is set to begin with an action-packed lightweight bout between King Green and Terrance McKinney. Green, fighting out of Fontana, CA, boasts a record of 35-17-1 with 1 No Contest and is seeking his fourth consecutive victory. McKinney, from Spokane, WA, has a record of 18-8, with 17 of his 18 wins coming by first-round finish.
The event will feature a total of 14 fights, with the main card commencing on Saturday at 9pm ET/6pm PT, available live on Paramount+ in the United States.
McGregor’s last fight ended in a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, and he has been recovering from a leg injury since. Holloway believes that if he performs well, he could be McGregor’s final opponent in the UFC, potentially leading to another fight before McGregor’s contract concludes in April 2027.
Holloway has consistently praised McGregor in the past, and the prospect of a rematch has been a topic of discussion for some time, though it was only recently made official. He is looking forward to the challenge and hopes to secure a highlight-reel moment on July 11.
Read Also
Source: ufc.com
