Conor McGregor returns to UFC in July against Max Holloway

Conor McGregor will return to the octagon in July to face Max Holloway, UFC president Dana White announced Saturday.

The bout marks McGregor's first fight since his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken leg in the opening round. According to ESPN, White made the announcement following Saturday's UFC card, ending months of speculation about when the former two-division champion would compete again.

McGregor's path back after broken leg layoff

McGregor has not won a fight inside the cage since January 2020, when he knocked out Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at welterweight. His return was previously expected against Michael Chandler, a matchup that fell through multiple times over the past two years.

Holloway, the former featherweight champion, is coming off a knockout win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. The Hawaiian holds a loss to McGregor from their 2013 meeting at featherweight, a decision defeat that remains on his record as both fighters moved up in weight. No venue or specific date in July has been confirmed for the rematch.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — Explaining the five tumultuous years since Conor M...