After years of anticipation, Conor McGregor is finally ready to make his UFC return at UFC 329. The former double champion will take on Max Holloway in the main event, and the hype around it is massive.

Despite his inactivity, McGregor is still the biggest name in the world of combat sports, and this card has the potential to break records. During a recent interview, the current pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, shared his views on McGregor’s return to action.
“It’s good, big name for our sport but he have tough opponent. I think Max can beat him,” said Islam Makhachev via UFC on TNT.
Islam Makhachev says Conor McGregor returning is good for the sport
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 31, 2026
“It’s good, big name for our sport… I think Max can beat him.”
(via @ufcontnt) pic.twitter.com/GbECBbNkOX
Makhachev and McGregor have shared a heated rivalry ever since the Irish superstar faced Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. The reigning welterweight champion has also openly expressed interest in facing McGregor should the opportunity arise in the future.
Since McGregor’s departure, the UFC has worked tirelessly to develop a new superstar capable of carrying the promotion. Despite several attempts, many believe no fighter has matched McGregor’s star power, making his return especially significant.

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Islam Makhachev gives an update about his UFC return
The last time Islam Makhachev faught it was back at UFC 322 when he beat Jack Della Maddalena to win the belt. Since then, the champ has struggled with a wrist injury, but now he’s ready to get back in action.
In a recent interview, Makhachev finally gave updates about his future fight plans. “Right after here, I’m going to camp, and I don’t know, August. I will be ready. A lot of contenders, but number 1 is Ian Garry. And we still have a couple more who want to take the belt,” Makhachev continued.
👀 Islam Makhachev says he’ll be back in August, and Ian Garry is the no1 contender
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 31, 2026
“Right after here, I’m going to camp and I don’t know, August. I will be ready.
A lot of contenders, but number 1 is Ian Garry. And we still have a couple more who want to take the belt.”… pic.twitter.com/GZpV5cOSyA
Several top contenders, including Ian Garry and Michael Morales, are vying for a title shot against Islam Makhachev. However, the biggest question remains when the reigning champion will return and who the UFC ultimately chooses as his next opponent.
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