The Mac is back.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) two-division champion Conor McGregor finally returns to action in a rematch against
Max Holloway at UFC 329 next month (Sat., July 11, 2026) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.When McGregor steps into the Octagon, it will be his first fight in five years. And while there is plenty of trepidation because of everything that has surrounded McGregor over the past few years — including him pulling out of his scheduled return two years ago — he insists
he is ready to go.
In fact, McGregor says he wants to stay active so badly that his next fight after UFC 329 is already signed.
The problem?
It is in 2027.
“I am contracted, and I have both dates. I have both dates for my fights,” McGregor told Ariel Helwani today. “I have July 11th — when would you think they would put me back in? April 2027. It’s almost a year later! That’s ridiculous to me, I think, no?”
When asked why the promotion decided to book him again almost a full year later, McGregor did not have much of an answer. It’s worth noting that no opponent has been picked.
“This is the way the contract was done,” McGregor said. “You’d have to ask me, Ari [Emanuel], why. I’m like, huh? Just give me the f—king contract, it gets to that stage. So, I have July 11, and it is right around the corner — that’s positivity. … I feel great. Bring it on, baby. The Mac is back, and I’m going to put on a show here in this fight.”
McGregor also confirmed he only has two fights left on his current UFC contract and that, as of now, the promotion has not tried to extend him.
Which is obviously pretty interesting.
Is UFC trying to see what it still has with a 37-year-old McGregor, who will be 38 by the time his second contracted fight rolls around? Is the promotion waiting to see how he looks against Holloway before offering a new deal? Or is this simply how the contract played out?
Because if UFC does not re-sign McGregor before 2027, you best believe he will have options. Netflix, boxing, Nate Diaz, Jake Paul, Canelo Alvarez, Mike Tyson — insert basically anyone with a pulse and a big enough check.
But there is still a lot of time between now and April 2027.
First, McGregor has to actually make it to UFC 329.
For the current UFC 329 fight card and Paramount+ lineup click here.
