McGregor Returns at UFC 329 After 5 Years as Underdog Against Holloway
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 9
McGregor Returns at UFC 329 After 5 Years as Underdog Against Holloway
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 9
Summary
Saturday’s UFC 329 marks Conor McGregor’s first fight since 2021, with the former two-division champion returning as an underdog against Max Holloway after a five-year layoff.
Matt Brown said the pressure could sharpen McGregor, arguing the 38-year-old has to win to revive his standing after losses, a broken leg and years of doubt about whether he would fight again.
One bout remains on McGregor’s UFC contract, and Brown said the result could reshape his leverage and next options—potentially even a title shot at lightweight champion Justin Gaethje with a win.
The matchup may also favor McGregor physically: UFC 329 is set at 170 pounds, where he has experience and Holloway does not, echoing McGregor’s 2013 win when he used size and takedowns.
Brown still picked Holloway, but said McGregor’s urgency, familiarity with the opponent and long buildup make the comeback more dangerous than it first appeared.