Conor McGregor spoke candidly about the mindset behind his long-awaited UFC return, explaining that he feels stronger both mentally and physically heading into the comeback. McGregor also revealed that reaching a new agreement with the promotion gave him a renewed sense of fulfillment ahead of his return.
The former two-division UFC champion is set to make his comeback on July 11, when he headlines UFC 329 against Max Holloway in a five-round welterweight showdown. The bout will mark McGregor’s first appearance inside the Octagon since 2021.
McGregor Satisfied With UFC Return Deal
McGregor was supposed to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 back in 2024, but was cancelled due to a broken pinky toe, and forced him out of the fight. The delay kept him sidelined even longer, but the Irish star now says everything has finally come together. The Irish superstar said on Mac Energy:
“It’s like – music to my ears.” ”
“I’m out so long, five years. My body’s fresh. My mind is sharp. I’m ready to come back.”
McGregor gave the UFC some praise for the agreement that helped finalize his return.
“I’ve got a great opponent. I’ve got a great deal off the UFC. I’m very, very happy, they honored me, finally.”
UFC International Fight Week Gets a Blockbuster Main Event
More than a decade after their first meeting, Conor McGregor and Max Holloway are set to run it back on one of the UFC’s biggest stages.
Their original clash took place in 2013 at featherweight, where McGregor battled through a serious knee injury to grind out a unanimous decision victory.
Now, both men return as global stars and former champions, with far more at stake than when they first shared the Octagon years ago.
“July 11, and the opponent is a man I’ve beaten before in Max Holloway,”
“He’s an established fighter, an accomplished fighter, former UFC world champion, multiple time, so this is a quality opponent.”
Conor McGregor believes fans will see a far more evolved and complete version of himself when he steps into the rematch:
“Our last bout was martial arts mastery by yours truly, so I plan on doing it again,”
“I plan on showing my growth and my improvements in there, so I’m very, very excited for it.”
McGregor Focused Fully On Training Camp
After years away from competition, McGregor says his preparation has become his entire lifestyle heading into UFC 329.
“Preparation is going very well: we’re living, breathing and sleeping in the gym.”
The matchup against Holloway is expected to headline one of the UFC’s biggest cards of the year during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.