For the first time in nearly half a decade, Conor McGregor is returning to the octagon. The main event attraction for UFC 329, he is set to face Max Holloway in what will be only the second-ever fight between the two legendary names.
Last time around, nearly 13 years ago, the Irish legend came away with a comfortable victory. Since then, both men have gone in vastly different directions, and as he returns to competition, it might not be smooth sailing for McGregor. But his comeback has also coloured the evening with nostalgia.
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With a 22-6 record, McGregor was always a terrifying prospect to face in the MMA world. But he might also arguably be the most mainstream star the UFC has ever produced, despite his extensive rap sheet.
From film and video game appearances to his outspoken personality, McGregor has become a popular, if not controversial, figure in the sporting world. But after back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021 and suffering a major injury, he stepped away from the ring for an extended period of time.
Now, he’s making his return, and the promotion is eagerly anticipating his arrival. A five-round welterweight fight against Holloway is a stiff way to get started again. With a 27-9 record, he dominated the featherweight class before making a spectacular shift to lightweight competition.
Coming off a loss to Charles Oliveira in March, a fight against the returning McGregor gives him the chance to re-establish himself near the top of the sport. However, people are already starting to flock to the idea of the returning McGregor having some magic left in him.
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Will Compton was among those who were eagerly anticipating the match and was firmly on McGregor’s side. Admitting to his personal biases, the former nine-year NFL veteran posted on X explaining his rationale.
“I know the chances for McGregor are low,” Compton wrote. “My mind understands that. But my heart is a prisoner of the moment, and tonight it’s 2015 Conor McGregor.”
However, given that background, the former undrafted free agent for the Washington Redskins believed the match was going to be as one-sided as it gets.
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“He’s going to knock out Max and then give us a speech for the ages. I don’t care. I’m buying in.”
I know the chances for McGregor are low
My mind understands that
But my heart is a prisoner of the moment and tonight it’s 2015 Conor McGregor
He’s going to knockout Max and then give us a speech for the ages
I don’t care
I’m buying in pic.twitter.com/YkCOKobnsX
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) July 11, 2026
It remains to be seen how the actual contest goes. But in his return to the octagon for the first time in five years, McGregor is taking no prisoners.
Instead, he’s trying to go after one of the best in the business in the main event of UFC 329. It remains to be seen if his return can be a glorious homecoming or if Holloway will spoil the night for the veteran Irishman.
