Conor McGregor is set to step back into the UFC octagon for the first time in nearly five years, facing Max Holloway on July 11 in Las Vegas, according to an announcement from UFC President Dana White on Saturday.
The matchup marks a significant return for the Irish superstar, who last competed in 2021 when he suffered a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier that also resulted in a broken leg requiring surgery. McGregor, now 37, holds a professional record of 22-6 and remains one of the sport's most prominent figures despite the extended absence.
White's announcement highlighted the bout as a high-profile return for McGregor, who previously defeated Holloway by unanimous decision in their 2013 encounter. At that time, McGregor was still early in his UFC career, while Holloway has since established himself as one of the division's elite competitors with a current record of 26-9.
Holloway enters the fight coming off a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira in March. The 34-year-old fighter has long been regarded as one of the best in his generation, known for his durability and volume striking.
McGregor had been scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in July 2024 but withdrew less than three weeks before the event due to a toe injury. That cancellation added to a string of setbacks for the former two-division champion, who has lost three of his last four fights, including defeats to Khabib Nurmagomedov and two to Poirier.
Throughout his career, McGregor has been the biggest draw in UFC history. The top four pay-per-view events all featured the Irish fighter, with his bout against Nurmagomedov generating 2.4 million buys and his final fight against Poirier drawing 1.8 million. His 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. produced 4.3 million PPV buys and more than $600 million in total revenue, according to Showtime.
McGregor first rose to prominence as the UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, becoming the first fighter to hold titles in two divisions at the same time. His notable victories include wins over Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz, and Donald Cerrone, though his recent performances have been mixed.
Outside the cage, McGregor has dealt with several legal matters. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to assault after being caught on camera punching an older man in a bar, resulting in a fine. He also knocked out the Miami Heat mascot during a promotional event at an NBA game.
In 2024, a civil court jury in Ireland found McGregor had sexually assaulted a woman six years earlier, awarding the woman 250,000 euros, or approximately $257,000. These incidents have drawn significant attention alongside his fighting career.
The upcoming fight against Holloway represents an opportunity for McGregor to reestablish momentum in the sport he helped popularize. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact venue in Las Vegas or additional card details.
Holloway, for his part, has expressed interest in high-profile matchups and continues to compete at a high level despite recent results. The bout is expected to generate substantial interest given McGregor's enduring popularity and drawing power.
White described the matchup as one that fans have been anticipating, noting McGregor's history of delivering memorable performances. The announcement comes as the UFC continues to build its 2025 schedule with several notable returns and debuts.
Both fighters bring distinct styles to the cage, with McGregor's power and charisma contrasting Holloway's technical striking and experience. The July 11 date in Las Vegas positions the event as a major summer attraction for mixed martial arts.