Conor McGregor agrees ‘great deal’ for UFC return against Max Holloway
Conor McGregor has agreed a new contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship ahead of his return to the octagon against Max Holloway in Las Vegas on 11 July.
The 37-year-old will headline UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena in what will be his first professional bout in five years.
The highly anticipated matchup takes place at welterweight and serves as a rematch 13 years after the Irishman outpointed his Hawaiian rival.
Contract disputes and a fresh start
Questions had surrounded the former dual-weight champion’s contractual status following the promotion’s recent shift away from a pay-per-view business model.
He previously claimed his existing agreement was rendered void by the structural changes.
However, the Dublin-born striker has now confirmed he reached a satisfactory resolution with the organisation.
“I’ve got a great opponent, I’ve got a great deal off the UFC. I’m very, very happy. They honored me, finally.”
Overcoming adversity and ring rust
The former featherweight and lightweight titleholder has not competed since suffering a horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
Despite the prolonged absence, he insists his physical condition and mental sharpness remain elite.
“My body’s fresh, my mind is sharp, I’m ready to come back.”
His upcoming opponent faces his own positional challenges, as the 34-year-old steps up to the 170lb division for the first time.
Holloway recently surrendered his symbolic ‘BMF’ title via a comprehensive points defeat to Charles Oliveira in March.
Preparing for every scenario
Acknowledging the traumatic end to his last appearance, the returning veteran revealed a more pragmatic approach to his training camps.
He explained that his preparations now heavily focus on surviving adverse situations inside the cage to prevent another premature stoppage.
“I have found, as I have gotten more experience in the fight game, to work my way backwards from the worst-case scenario to the best-case scenario.”