Conor McGregor Sends Warning to Max Holloway Ahead of UFC 329

After nearly five years away from the sport, the notorious Conor McGregor is officially returning to the Octagon on July 11 in Las Vegas at UFC 329 during International Fight Week.

Dana White announced Saturday night that McGregor will face Max Holloway in a welterweight bout, marking the second meeting between the two fighters more than a decade after their first matchup.

McGregor and Holloway originally fought back in 2013 when both were in their early 20s, with McGregor winning by decision.

Now set to headline UFC 329 in less than two months, McGregor already appears to be leaning into the buildup. Following the announcement, he posted a photo on social media of himself landing a strike on Holloway during their first fight alongside the caption: "You're gonna put respect on my [expletive] name."

In another post, McGregor added, "I'm gonna son you, child. Again."

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McGregor will likely get the type of fight he prefers against Holloway, as the matchup is expected to stay primarily on the feet.

Still, this is a massive challenge for the Irishman after such a long layoff. Holloway remains one of the cleanest and most dangerous strikers in MMA and has continued fighting elite competition over the last several years.

Holloway's most recent bout came against Charles Oliveira, a fight he largely lost due to grappling exchanges. Before that, he defeated Dustin Poirier, notably the last fighter McGregor faced in the Octagon, after previously falling short in a title fight against Ilia Topuria.

Prior to those matchups, Holloway also earned impressive victories over Justin Gaethje and Chan Sung Jung.

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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 10:54 AM.