Conor McGregor (38, Ireland) is returning to the Octagon after five years to face Max Holloway (35, U.S.) in a rematch 13 years in the making.
The UFC announced that former two-division champion McGregor will face former featherweight champion Holloway in the main event of "UFC 329," to be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 12 (Korea time).
McGregor knocked out Jose Aldo of Brazil in 13 seconds in 2015 to claim the featherweight title, then defeated Eddie Alvarez of the U.S. in 2016 to capture the lightweight crown, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. However, he showed a clear decline after losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia in 2018. He has been away from the Octagon since breaking his leg during a bout against Dustin Poirier of the U.S. in July 2021.
During his long rehabilitation, he has focused on activities outside the ring, including appearing in Hollywood films and devoting himself to the liquor business.
McGregor (22-6) plans to use Holloway as a stepping stone in this comeback fight, his first in five years, to prove he can again perform at the level of his prime.
Standing in his way is former featherweight and BMF champion Holloway (27-9), who is determined to deliver a dominant victory to halt McGregor's flashy return and avenge his loss from 13 years ago.
In their first meeting in August 2013, McGregor won by 3-0 unanimous decision.
The same card features a lightweight bout between fifth-ranked Benoit Saint Denis of France and sixth-ranked Paddy Pimblett of England.
Saint Denis (17-3-1 NC), who is on a four-fight winning streak, aims to defeat Pimblett and secure a title shot, while Pimblett (23-4), who delivered a memorable performance in January, looks to halt Saint Denis's momentum and break into the top five rankings. The UFC 329 main card will be broadcast live starting at 10 a.m. Korea time on July 12.
