McGregor Returns to UFC Octagon

Conor McGregor is set to make his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon for the first time in five years, taking on Max Holloway in a non-title rematch on 11 July in Las Vegas, the UFC announced on Saturday.

McGregor, a former two-weight champion from Ireland, has not fought since suffering a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier on 10 July 2021. He remains one of the UFC’s most famous and bankable fighters.

McGregor’s Comeback Fight

McGregor’s return at UFC 329 will be a rematch of his second UFC fight, which took place in August 2013. During that bout, he beat Holloway in Boston despite suffering a torn knee ligament.

The 37-year-old Dubliner was initially scheduled to make his comeback in June 2024, but he had to withdraw due to a toe injury. McGregor has also dealt with several issues outside the octagon, including a recent court case in Ireland where he was found liable and ordered to pay around $250 000 damages to a woman who accused him of rape.

In another case, a woman who accused McGregor of sexually assaulting her at an NBA game in Miami dropped her civil lawsuit against him. This came after authorities declined to pursue criminal charges.

McGregor’s Suspension

McGregor was suspended for 18 months after missing three drug tests in a 12-month period. However, he escaped a longer ban as Combat Sports Anti-Doping said he cooperated with their investigation into the missed tests.

The UFC announced the bout during the first MMA promotion by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions outfit. The card, which took place in Los Angeles, was highlighted by Ronda Rousey’s return against Gina Carano.

By Garrin Lambley (c) Agence France-Presse