UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 set for July 11 in Las Vegas

This time it feels real. Conor McGregor's return to the UFC's Octagon has seemed imminent before, but this time, it genuinely appears to be happening. On July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, McGregor will face future Hall of Famer Max "Blessed" Holloway in one of the most anticipated non-championship fights of all time.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event: UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2
• Date & Venue: Saturday, July 11, 2026 — T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas (International Fight Week)
• Broadcast: Paramount+ (main card at 9 p.m. ET)
• Main Event: Conor McGregor (22-6) vs. Max Holloway (27-9), welterweight, five rounds
• Also on the Card:
• Benoît Saint-Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett
• Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista
• Brandon Royval vs. Lone'er Kavanagh
• King Green vs. Terrance McKinney

What's at Stake for Conor McGregor at UFC 329?

While no title is on the line, McGregor's reputation and status as a viable and believable threat are in question. At 37 years old, he hasn't fought in the Octagon since 2021. There is much to prove to the world — and perhaps even to himself.

McGregor is 1-3 in his last four fights, with his most recent win coming in January 2020 against Donald Cerrone. He opens as the longest-priced underdog of his UFC career, a blunt market verdict on a five-year layoff and a surgically repaired leg. However, if he beats a prime Holloway at 170 pounds, the door swings back open to the paydays he has chased since the rematch became official.

What's at Stake for Max Holloway at UFC 329?

Holloway does not have as much to lose in this fight, quite honestly. He is moving up to 170 pounds to fight a naturally bigger man. His place in history is secure, and he is not carrying the weight of a persona as massive as McGregor's. That said, he will be in it to win it — because he is a warrior.

Holloway arrives 2-2 in his last four fights after being dominated by Charles Oliveira to lose the BMF title in March. His welterweight debut is a live experiment in whether his 6.9 significant strikes per minute pace can carry up two divisions against a bigger man. A statement win would put a Justin Gaethje rematch and other big names back in the conversation, even if the belt he wants sits a division below.

What Happened When McGregor and Holloway First Fought?

The two legends first met in 2013, with McGregor prevailing via unanimous decision.

That bout was a featherweight undercard fight at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston, years before either man wore a belt. McGregor swept the scorecards despite tearing his ACL midway through, then sat out roughly 10 months to recover. Holloway has spent the decade since assembling one of the great featherweight résumés in company history — which is why a fight nobody circled in 2013 now headlines the biggest week on the UFC calendar.

What Comes Next After McGregor vs. Holloway 2?

McGregor has one more fight remaining on his UFC contract after he clashes with Holloway. He will likely attempt to get that done before the end of 2026. If he does re-sign with the UFC, he will be looking for a contract that does not block him from participating in crossover events in boxing or bareknuckle.

That crossover ambition is already in motion. McGregor has floated big-money boxing and bareknuckle spectacles, and recently claimed Terence Crawford turned down a nine-figure two-fight deal to face him. Win or lose against Holloway, the more interesting question is not a UFC belt he is unlikely to chase — it is which promotion he will fight for next.