Conor McGregor to Fight Max Holloway at UFC International Fight Week

Conor McGregor next fight: Irish superstar set for UFC return against Max Holloway at International Fight Week

Two of UFC's biggest stars run it back at 2026 International Fight Week

By Shakiel Mahjouri

May 16, 2026 at 10:37 pm ET • 1 min read

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Conor McGregor is back. After a five-year hiatus, the former two-division champion is set for his UFC return at UFC 329 in July when he takes on former featherweight champion Max Holloway. The promotion announced the blockbuster main event for International Fight Week in Las Vegas on Saturday night during the UFC Fight Night broadcast.

McGregor and Holloway were early in their careers when they first fought all the way back in 2013. McGregor had only fought once before in the UFC, while Holloway was stepping into his 10th professional fight. Both men stamped their names in the history books in the years to follow.

McGregor hasn't fought in five years, nearly to the day of UFC 329. "The Notorious" suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier on July 10, 2021. The loss cost him his trilogy with Poirier,  whom Holloway retired last year . McGregor was expected to fight Michael Chandler in 2024 after they coached against each other on "The Ultimate Fighter." However, McGregor pulled out of the fight with  a toe injury .

> CONOR MCGREGOR vs MAX HOLLOWAY 2 !!!! Your International Fight Week main event is confirmed! [ #UFC329 LIVE July 11 on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/uVxVdgV9Gm — UFC (@ufc) May 17, 2026

The McGregor loss was a turning point in Holloway's career. He went on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, winning the UFC featherweight championship and becoming an all-time great at that weight. After permanently moving to lightweight, Holloway won the ceremonial BMF title and set multiple striking records.

The McGregor-Holloway rematch comes at a significant moment in their careers. Holloway, who recently lost to Charles Oliveira, is on a revenge tour . That includes hopefully rematching lightweight champion Ilia Topuria down the line.

UFC announced several compelling fights to support the massive main event. Paddy Pimblett, one fight removed from losing an interim lightweight title fight, takes on fast-rising knockout artist Benoit Saint Denis. Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson makes his UFC debut  against Elisha Ellison. Other notable fights include Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista and a key flyweight bout between Brandon Royval and Lone'er Kavanagh.

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_Originally reported by [CBS Sports](https://www.cbssports.com/ufc/news/conor-mcgregor-next-fight-ufc-return-max-holloway-ufc-329/)._