Former two-division champion Conor McGregor is set to return to the Octagon against Max Holloway in a welterweight main event at UFC 329 on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) confirmed the bout will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, as the centerpiece of the annual International Fight Week. This high-stakes rematch comes nearly 13 years after their initial encounter and marks McGregor’s first competitive appearance in nearly five years.
The fight is scheduled for five five-minute rounds at 170 lbs. While McGregor’s team reportedly pushed for a three-round contest during negotiations, the five-round distance is now confirmed for the Paramount+ PPV main card, which begins at 10 p.m. ET. The event arrives just two days after the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 9, 2026, underlining the scale of the organization’s summer showcase.
For Conor McGregor, now 37, the bout marks a long-awaited comeback following his TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, where he suffered a broken leg. His return path has been complicated by a toe injury that scuttled a 2024 date with Michael Chandler and an 18-month suspension for “whereabouts failures” that expired in March 2026. Off the canvas, McGregor also faced legal repercussions after an Irish civil court found him liable for the rape of Nikita Hand, ordering him to pay €250,000 in damages in 2024.
Weight shifts and historical context of the rematch
While their first meeting in August 2013 at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen took place at the 145-lb featherweight limit, this sequel moves up to welterweight. In that 2013 clash, McGregor won via unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board, despite suffering a torn ACL early in the first round. Both men have since built legendary resumes, though they currently find themselves at different stages of their careers.
Max Holloway enters this contest at 33 years old, coming off a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March 2026. The former featherweight and BMF champion recently expressed his eagerness for the rematch, though he admitted to training without a signed contract as recently as May 5. “It looks like a regular training camp without a contract,” Holloway noted on social media earlier this month. Some observers have compared Holloway’s technical grit to the most dangerous boxers in the world today.
The rivalry immediately resurfaced on X once the promotion finalized the date. When Max Holloway posted “July 11 Return of the MAX,” Conor McGregor replied, “I’m gonna son you, child.” This classic McGregor bravado will be tested against a fighter who has remained significantly more active than the Irishman. As veterans like Jaime Munguia weigh middleweight returns or title paths in boxing, Holloway’s jump to 170 pounds represents a similar pursuit of legacy-defining hurdles.
Full UFC 329 fight card details
The UFC has assembled a robust supporting lineup for the T-Mobile Arena event. The main card features a lightweight clash between Paddy Pimblett and Benoît Saint Denis, alongside a bantamweight meeting between Cody Garbrandt and Adrian Yañez. In the heavier divisions, Robert Whittaker faces Nikita Krylov at light heavyweight. The main card also includes Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh (flyweight) and Tracy Cortez vs. Wang Cong (women’s flyweight).
The preliminary card offers variety across several weight classes, led by a heavyweight bout between Gable Steveson and Elisha Ellison. Also featured in the early portion are Luke Riley vs. Kai Kamaka III (featherweight), Damian Pinas vs. Cesar Almeida (middleweight), and Ode’ Osbourne vs. Cody Durden (flyweight). The promotion’s decision to include high-profile prospects like Steveson underscores the importance of the International Fight Week slot.
This event serves as a critical juncture for both headliners. Conor McGregor, with a professional record of 22-6, hasn’t seen the winner’s circle in years. Meanwhile, Max Holloway holds a 27-9 record and continues to prove his durability across multiple weight classes. While the UFC continues to expand its reach, traditional promoters have also adapted, as seen with Matchroom Boxing’s strategy to maintain its standing against the rising Zuffa threat in the wider combat sports market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the date and venue for McGregor vs Holloway 2?
The event, UFC 329, is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026. It will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, as part of the UFC’s annual International Fight Week celebrations.
At what weight will the fight be contested?
The rematch will take place in the welterweight division (170 lbs). This is a significant jump from their first encounter in 2013, which was held at featherweight (145 lbs).
How can fans watch the UFC 329 main card?
The main card will be broadcast as a Pay-Per-View (PPV) event exclusively on Paramount+. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET, with tickets for the live event available through Ticketmaster.
