Conor McGregor Finalizing Deal to Fight at UFC 329: Report

Conor McGregor remains one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, even though he has not competed in the Octagon since July 2021.

Now, roughly five years removed from his last fight, a long-awaited return appears to be on the horizon for the former two-division champion.

According to the New York Post, McGregor is in the final stages of a contract to return to the UFC on July 11 during International Fight Week at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, where he is expected to face Max Holloway.

An official announcement could come as soon as this week, though there is reportedly "no rush" as McGregor is said to be "knee-deep" in fight camp as he prepares for his return.

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McGregor's last fight came in 2021 against Dustin Poirier, a bout in which he suffered a severe leg injury, fracturing both his tibia and fibula.

Since then, McGregor has had multiple potential comeback opportunities that ultimately fell through, most notably a long-discussed matchup with Michael Chandler. The two even coached against each other on “The Ultimate Fighter,” but the fight never came to fruition.

If the matchup with Holloway does happen, it will mark their second meeting inside the Octagon. Their first bout came all the way back in 2013, when McGregor won by decision.

However, this version of Holloway presents a very different challenge, and the fight would likely be one of the toughest tests of McGregor's career.

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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 1:57 PM.