Max Holloway Gets Honest About Upcoming Fight With Conor McGregor

After roughly a five-year layoff from the sport, Conor McGregor is set to make his return during International Fight Week at UFC 329 on July 11.

His opponent will be Max Holloway in a welterweight bout at 170 pounds - a rematch of their first meeting back in 2013, which McGregor won by decision.

UFC president Dana White officially announced the fight last Saturday night, but according to Holloway, he had known about the matchup for quite some time and admitted it was difficult keeping it quiet for so long.

"You know how hard it is to keep that fight under wraps for how long we did? We knew that fight for a minute, bro," Holloway said.

More news: Jake Paul Promises ‘More to Come' After Rousey-Carano Delivers Record Ratings

More news: Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions Could Make Push to Sign Conor McGregor

He also shared his excitement about competing at 170 pounds and not having to stress over a difficult weight cut.

"I'm excited, I get to eat what I want to eat, boys … imagine I miss weight at 170," Holloway added.

Holloway continued fighting at an elite level while McGregor has been away from the sport, making this an incredibly difficult matchup for McGregor's return.

During that stretch, Holloway has picked up notable wins over Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, while suffering title-fight losses to Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira.

McGregor's last fight came back in July 2021 against Poirier and ended in devastating fashion after he fractured both his tibia and fibula.

More news: Jon Jones Takes Massive Shot at UFC Amid Public Feud With Dana White

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 7:59 AM.