McGregor Returned at UFC 329, Then Lost to Holloway
After UFC 308 in October 2024, Conor McGregor said he expected to fight again in 2025 and expressed interest in Michael Chandler. That return did not happen as predicted: their planned UFC 303 bout had already been canceled, and McGregor did not compete again until July 2026. He returned against Max Holloway at UFC 329, where a knee injury ended the fight in the first round.
The 2024 plan: a return with Chandler
McGregor was originally scheduled to face Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but withdrew after suffering an injury in training. In the weeks that followed, UFC President Dana White said McGregor would not fight in 2024. McGregor later suggested a 2025 return and named Chandler as the opponent he wanted, but no new date for that matchup was finalized.
That distinction matters when looking back at the career update reported after UFC 308: a desired opponent and a hoped-for year were not a confirmed booking. The Chandler fight did not take place, and McGregor’s comeback was postponed again.
McGregor returned against Max Holloway
After more than five years away from competition, McGregor returned at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, for a rematch with Max Holloway. Early in the first round, McGregor injured his knee while throwing a kick. Holloway won by TKO at 1:09 when McGregor could not continue. The UFC said McGregor announced that he would undergo surgery following the injury.
What is known about his next fight
As of October 2026, McGregor has no announced next opponent or fight date. His comeback against Holloway ended in an injury stoppage, so a new timetable depends on his recovery. Earlier predictions about a 2025 return and a Chandler matchup should be treated as past plans, not current bookings.
McGregor remains one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, but the story of his return has been defined by long gaps and injuries. His latest appearance was brief; what follows will depend first on rehabilitation and a future decision by the fighter and UFC.
Sources: ESPN: McGregor withdraws from UFC 303; UFC 329 results; UFC: McGregor announces surgery; UFC statement on his injury and return.
