Conor McGregor coach rules out lightweight return, eyes 2026 bout

Conor McGregor's lightweight days are over, according to longtime coach John Kavanagh, who says the former two-division champion will stay at welterweight after his return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 this Saturday.

Kavanagh told MMA Fighting that getting McGregor back down to 155 pounds would take something extraordinary. "You're going to have to do something really big to get Conor at 155 again," he said. "170 is a comfortable cut for him now and he's got the frame for it. He certainly has the strength for it."

McGregor targeting busier schedule at welterweight

McGregor has fought just three times at 170 in the UFC, splitting a pair with Nate Diaz in 2016 and stopping Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 in early 2020. His last two appearances at lightweight ended in losses to Dustin Poirier, the second of which left him with a broken leg that kept him out for five years. Saturday's rematch with Holloway, whom McGregor beat as a featherweight in 2013, will take place at welterweight.

Though McGregor has reportedly told the UFC he wants his final contracted bout booked for April 2027, Kavanagh hopes for a quicker turnaround. "I would love to have something before the end of the year, but I'll let the guys in the suits argue about that," he said. As for Saturday's performance, Kavanagh guaranteed only one thing: "A master class."

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Conor McGregor coach says lightweight days are done, would like to see him fight again in 2026 | MMA Fighting