Could Holloway Land The McGregor Rematch?
Former BMF Champion Max Holloway (28-7) has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to welcome Conor McGregor (22-6-0) back to the Octagon on July 11, 2026, during International Fight Week.
Holloway faced McGregor in 2013, as Conor won a unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-26) despite tearing his ACL during the fight. Since that fight, both men have gone on to become featherweight champions. While their first fight was at 145 lbs, any rematch is expected to be contested at 170 lbs (Welterweight) or a 165-lb catchweight. With Conor recently confirming that the rumors of his return are true, Holloway could be the person to bring him back to the Octagon.
“Front runner, Max Holloway. Conor McGregor, he’s confirming it right then and there [on social media]. There haven’t been any other rumors about his return. I think the UFC recognizes that they’ve gotta get the biggest star back. I think they’re gonna pay him better than they were talking to Jon Jones about, better than the Conor Benn number. People are going to be very excited about it, even Max said 170 [pounds],” Ariel Helwani