# McGregor injury, surgery, year out, 2027 ‘Last Dance’ > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-signals-return-plans-for-conor-mcgregor-and-dustin-poirier > Updated: 2026-08-21T18:00:41.000Z. Sources: 417. Developments: 64. Conor McGregor’s 69‑second comeback at UFC 329 on 11 July 2026 ended with a torn ACL and meniscus, leading to a referee‑stopped TKO loss to Max Holloway. Dana White confirmed a minimum one‑year lay‑off while McGregor undergoes surgery and rehabilitation, keeping him out through mid‑2027. The bout set a $26.4 million gate and drew 15.9 million Paramount+ viewers. In the weeks after, McGregor announced a Bare‑Knuckle Fighting Championship series for summer 2027 and hinted at a possible WWE crossover, while pledging to fulfill the final fight of his UFC contract at International Fight Week 2027 – branding it his “Last Dance.” Subsequent updates confirm the surgery was McGregor’s fifth knee operation and was successful. He has begun a 9‑12‑month rehab program, citing inspiration from former champions such as Georges St‑Pierre and Dominick Cruz, as well as athletes like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Georges St‑Pierre has since offered public support, stating, “Let’s go Conor.” Controversy has surrounded the injury; McGregor suggested the bout be ruled a no-contest, alleging a dry-ice/fog machine made the cage floor wet. Max Holloway has dismissed these claims, stating he experienced no slipping issues and characterizing McGregor as looking “slow and old.” While peers like Darren Till and Alistair Overeem have suggested retirement, McGregor remains confident in his return, potentially targeting a trilogy fight against Holloway in mid-2027. ## Claims - Conor McGregor tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee at UFC 329. (corroborated by 16 sources) - UFC president Dana White said Conor McGregor will be out of competition for at least one year. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Conor McGregor's knee surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus was successful. (corroborated by 13 sources) - UFC 329 was held at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on 11 July 2026. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The planned 2027 fight would be the final bout of McGregor’s current UFC contract. (corroborated by 9 sources) - A third meeting between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway would be the third matchup in their careers. (corroborated by 9 sources) - McGregor posted an Instagram video captioned “IFW 2027. The Last Dance.” (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Max Holloway dismisses Conor McGregor's injury excuses after UFC 329 Max Holloway has mocked Conor McGregor’s claims that a slippery octagon caused his injury at UFC 329, instead suggesting McGregor appeared slow and past his prime during their rematch. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/max-holloway-dismisses-conor-mcgregors-injury-excuses-after-ufc-329 ### 2026-08-09: Conor McGregor begins recovery following ACL and meniscus surgery Following successful surgery for a torn ACL and meniscus, Conor McGregor has begun rehabilitation, targeting a 2027 return to the UFC and citing Georges St-Pierre as inspiration. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-begins-recovery-following-acl-and-meniscus-surgery ### 2026-08-07: Conor McGregor confirms successful knee surgery and plans UFC comeback Conor McGregor confirms successful knee surgery following his injury at UFC 329 and vows a return to the Octagon by summer 2027, despite calls for retirement from some combat sports figures. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-confirms-successful-knee-surgery-and-begins-rehab ### 2026-08-04: Conor McGregor undergoes fifth knee surgery following UFC 329 injury Conor McGregor tore his ACL and meniscus in UFC 329, underwent his fifth knee surgery, and aims to return for a final UFC fight at International Fight Week 2027 despite calls to retire. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-attend-bkfc-94-in-manchester-despite-surgery ### 2026-07-29: Conor McGregor plans 2027 UFC farewell after ACL injury Conor McGregor tore his ACL and meniscus at UFC 329, will need a year’s surgery, and plans a 2027 farewell fight in Las Vegas; coaches noted his tense demeanor, while comments ranged from sympathy to criticism. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-knee-injury-draws-sympathy-from-islam-makhachev ### 2026-07-27: Conor McGregor Out a Year, Eyes ‘Last Dance’ UFC Return in 2027 McGregor tore his ACL and meniscus at UFC 329, was TKO’d by Holloway, and will be out a year. He plans a 2027 “Last Dance” comeback at International Fight Week, possibly versus Holloway. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-sidelined-for-a-year-after-acl-injury-ufc-president-confirms ### 2026-07-24: Conor McGregor's ACL Injury Triggers Debate Over UFC Return Strategy McGregor tore his ACL in a UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway; experts say recovery will be tough and suggest a Chandler fight would have been a wiser return. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-acl-injury-triggers-debate-over-ufc-return-strategy ### 2026-07-21: Max Holloway defeats Conor McGregor at UFC 329, fueling lightweight title push and WWE crossover talk Max Holloway TKO’d Conor McGregor at UFC 329 after the Irish fighter’s knee injury, boosting Holloway’s lightweight title case and prompting WWE crossover rumors for McGregor. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/max-holloway-defeats-conor-mcgregor-at-ufc-329-fueling-lightweight-title-push-and-wwe-crossover-talk ### 2026-07-20: Conor McGregor's Knee Injury Spurs Dominick Cruz to Highlight Recovery Phase Dominick Cruz says Conor McGregor is in the early, optimistic stage of recovering from an ACL and meniscus tear suffered at UFC 329, and believes the fighter will return to the octagon. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-knee-injury-spurs-dominick-cruz-to-highlight-recovery-phase ### 2026-07-16: Jon Jones praises Conor McGregor after injury‑riddled UFC 329 comeback Jon Jones lauded Conor McGregor's character after the Irishman's injury‑shortened UFC 329 comeback, urging him to stay faithful and keep fighting. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jon-jones-praises-conor-mcgregor-after-injuryriddled-ufc-329-comeback ### 2026-07-16: Conor McGregor's UFC 329 Return Draws 15.9 Million Viewers on Paramount+ Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 comeback ended in a 69‑second knee injury loss to Max Holloway, drawing 15.9 million viewers on Paramount+ and becoming the platform’s second‑biggest live stream after the Super Bowl. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-draws-159-million-viewers-on-paramount ### 2026-07-16: Conor McGregor seeks no‑contest after injury‑halted loss to Max Holloway Conor McGregor’s knee injury ended his UFC 329 fight with Max Holloway, prompting him to seek a no‑contest ruling, bet refunds, and a future rematch, while peers question his career’s end. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-pushes-for-nocontest-ruling-after-injurystop-loss-to-max-holloway ### 2026-07-14: Jon Jones Reconciles with Dana White and Promotes IBA Bare Knuckle Jon Jones says his feud with Dana White has eased, posts a selfie after UFC 329, and announces a new ambassador role for IBA Bare‑Knuckle in Miami. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jon-jones-mends-ties-with-ufc-president-dana-white ### 2026-07-13: Conor McGregor suffers knee injury in 69‑second loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 McGregor’s five‑year comeback ended in a 69‑second TKO loss to Max Holloway after a knee injury; he vowed to return, sought a no‑contest ruling, and the bout was the most bet‑on MMA fight. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-suffers-knee-injury-in-ufc-329-loss ### 2026-07-13: Conor McGregor to host BKFC “World's Baddest Man” series on FOX Nation after knee surgery Conor McGregor, recovering from a knee injury, is set to host BKFC’s “World’s Baddest Man” tournament on FOX Nation in summer 2027, a documentary‑style bare‑knuckle series with a large prize pool. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-undergo-knee-surgery-but-vows-final-ufc-contract-fight ### 2026-07-13: Conor McGregor's UFC 329 injury fuels MGK social media feud After a 69‑second loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 due to a knee injury, Conor McGregor was mocked on Instagram by MGK, who revived their 2021 VMA feud. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-injury-fuels-mgk-social-media-feud ### 2026-07-13: Conor McGregor's UFC 329 Return Sets Record Gate Amid Injury and Criticism UFC 329 in Las Vegas set a $26.4 million gate record as Conor McGregor’s comeback ended after 69 seconds due to injury; Dustin Poirier later said McGregor looked unusually bloated. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-return-sets-record-gate-amid-injury-and-criticism ### 2026-07-12: Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 Walkout Mix Shows Irish Roots and Hip‑Hop Flair UFC 329’s walkout songs highlighted Conor McGregor’s Irish‑American mix, Max Holloway’s Hawaiian anthem, and other fighters’ culturally‑tuned tracks at the Las Vegas event. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-walkout-mix-shows-irish-roots-and-hiphop-flair ### 2026-07-11: UFC 329 (McGregor vs. Holloway) streaming options and pricing announced UFC 329 (McGregor vs. Holloway) airs July 11, 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+ (US $8.99 or $1 via Walmart+ trial). Canada sees a $69.99 PPV on Sportsnet; the UK offers the event on TNT Sports for £19.99. VPNs (e.g., N 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ufc-329-mcgregor-vs-holloway-streaming-options-and-pricing-announced ### 2026-07-11: Gable Steveson transitions from Olympic wrestling to NFL tryout and MMA Olympic champion Gable Steveson moved from wrestling to a brief NFL tryout, then to MMA with three TKO wins, while his tattoos reflect family, motivation and combat icons. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gable-steveson-transitions-from-olympic-wrestling-to-nfl-tryout-and-mma ### 2026-07-11: Jon Jones weighs in on UFC 329, backs Gable Steveson and predicts McGregor‑Holloway rematch Jon Jones attended UFC 329 in Las Vegas to support Gable Steveson’s debut, said he misses fighting, and predicted Max Holloway will defeat Conor McGregor in the event’s main‑event rematch. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jon-jones-weighs-in-on-ufc-329-backs-gable-steveson-and-predicts-mcgregorholloway-rematch ### 2026-07-10: Conor McGregor's wife reacts to beach kiss as he gears up for UFC 329 comeback Conor McGregor’s beach kiss sparked a social‑media response from wife Dee Devlin, who posted supportive nicknames as the fighter prepares to return at UFC 329 against Max Holloway. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-wife-reacts-to-beach-kiss-as-he-gears-up-for-ufc-329-comeback ### 2026-07-10: Conor McGregor Suffers Knee Injury 69 Seconds Into UFC 329 Return Conor McGregor injured his knee 69 seconds into his UFC 329 return, losing to Max Holloway by TKO. Surgery is planned, casting doubt on his final contract fight and sparking betting and contract speculation. 268 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-vs-max-holloway-set-for-ufc-329-main-event-in-las-vegas ### 2026-07-10: Gable Steveson scores first‑round knockout in UFC 329 debut Gable Steveson knocked out Elisha Ellison at 2:31 of round 1 in his UFC 329 debut, earning praise from Dana White and fighting with Jon Jones in his corner. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gable-steveson-makes-ufc-heavyweight-debut-at-ufc-329-in-las-vegas ### 2026-07-10: Jon Jones Clarifies Comments to Alex Pereira Ahead of UFC 329 Heavyweight Plans Jon Jones met Alex Pereira at UFC 329 week to clarify his comments on Dana White's GOAT talk, while Pereira plans a November heavyweight return, possibly against Josh Hokit. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jon-jones-clarifies-comments-to-alex-pereira-ahead-of-ufc-329-heavyweight-plans ### 2026-07-09: Conor McGregor dismisses Khabib Nurmagomedov and rules out Dagestan training ahead of UFC 329 McGregor says he won’t train in Dagestan for years and attacks Khabib’s legacy as he prepares to face Max Holloway at UFC 329. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-dismisses-khabib-nurmagomedov-and-rules-out-dagestan-training-ahead-of-ufc-329 ### 2026-07-08: Conor McGregor returns at UFC 329 to face Max Holloway Conor McGregor returns at UFC 329 in Las Vegas after a five‑year break to fight Max Holloway at welterweight, with a stacked card and major betting promotion. 121 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-and-khabib-nurmagomedov-feud-resurfaces-ahead-of-ufc-329 ### 2026-07-07: Gable Steveson Becomes UFC’s Biggest Betting Favorite Ahead of UFC 329 Debut Olympic gold‑medalist Gable Steveson heads to UFC 329 as the sport’s biggest betting favorite, debuting against Elisha Ellison, while fellow newcomer Ryan Gandra also returns to the Las Vegas card. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ufc-329-in-las-vegas-showcases-ryan-gandra-and-olympic-champion-gable-steveson ### 2026-07-06: Conor McGregor Returns at UFC 329 to Face Max Holloway Conor McGregor returns after five years to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026; Holloway is favored in the welterweight rematch. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-headline-ufc-329-against-max-holloway-in-las-vegas ### 2026-07-05: Conor McGregor's UFC 329 Weigh‑In Broadcast Live on CBS CBS will air a live one‑hour pre‑event special with a live weigh‑in for Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway on July 10, promoting UFC 329 on Paramount+ on July 11 at T‑Mobile Arena. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-returns-at-ufc-329-with-cbs-preshow-and-free-ufc-202-replay ### 2026-07-03: Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway set for UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas UFC 329 in Las Vegas will see Conor McGregor return against Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch, with a backup fighter in place and a stacked undercard. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-vs-max-holloway-rematch-set-for-ufc-329 ### 2026-07-02: UFC International Fight Week set for Las Vegas July 9‑12, headlined by McGregor vs. Holloway 2 UFC International Fight Week runs July 9‑12 in Las Vegas, featuring a Hall of Fame ceremony and UFC 329 headlined by McGregor vs. Holloway 2. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ufc-international-fight-week-set-for-las-vegas-july-912-headlined-by-mcgregor-vs-holloway-2 ### 2026-06-30: Conor McGregor to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas Conor McGregor returns to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on 11 July 2026, marking his first fight in five years and a welterweight showdown. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-face-max-holloway-at-ufc-329-in-las-vegas-2 ### 2026-06-29: UFC 329 headlined by McGregor vs. Holloway set for Las Vegas International Fight Week UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas will headline McGregor vs. Holloway 2 during International Fight Week, streamed on Paramount+ (and DAZN in some regions) with a full fight card. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ufc-329-headlined-by-mcgregor-vs-holloway-set-for-las-vegas-international-fight-week ### 2026-06-29: Conor McGregor set to return at UFC 329 in Las Vegas Conor McGregor will return at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, facing Max Holloway, while Italian presenter Maria Arreghini narrowly avoids a wardrobe slip on Instagram. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-set-to-return-at-ufc-329-in-las-vegas ### 2026-06-28: Conor McGregor returns to UFC 329 to face Max Holloway in Las Vegas Conor McGregor returns after five years to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, moving to welterweight. He shows solid shape, dons custom shorts, and dismisses Justin Gaethje, who hopes for a 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-vs-max-holloway-set-for-ufc-329-in-nevada ### 2026-06-26: Conor McGregor readies UFC 329 showdown with Max Holloway Conor McGregor will fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, after a beach appearance and recovery from a leg fracture, reigniting his return after five years. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-readies-ufc-329-showdown-with-max-holloway ### 2026-06-25: Oliveira alleges McGregor chose Max Holloway over him for UFC 329 Charles Oliveira claims Conor McGregor avoided fighting him, choosing Max Holloway for UFC 329 because he saw Holloway as the easier opponent. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oliveira-alleges-mcgregor-chose-max-holloway-over-him-for-ufc-329 ### 2026-06-24: Charles Oliveira eyes next lightweight title shot and comments on McGregor fight plans Charles Oliveira is touted as a possible lightweight title challenger and says he was bypassed for Conor McGregor’s return, who chose Max Holloway instead. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charles-oliveira-eyes-next-lightweight-title-shot-and-comments-on-mcgregor-fight-plans ### 2026-06-24: Conor McGregor's UFC 329 comeback faces undercard setback Conor McGregor returns at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas to face Max Holloway, but flyweight Ode Osbourne pulled out of his bout with Cody Durden, leaving a gap on the undercard. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-comeback-faces-undercard-setback ### 2026-06-23: Conor McGregor to debut at welterweight in UFC 329 vs Max Holloway Conor McGregor will return at welterweight for UFC 329 on July 11, facing Max Holloway, who also moves up; critics doubt McGregor will make the cage or win. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-debut-at-welterweight-in-ufc-329-vs-max-holloway ### 2026-06-22: Conor McGregor urged to trust coaches ahead of UFC 329 comeback vs Max Holloway Georges St‑Pierre says returning Conor McGregor must trust his coaches and avoid trying to control his training as he prepares for his UFC 329 welterweight comeback against Max Holloway. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-urged-to-trust-coaches-ahead-of-ufc-329-comeback-vs-max-holloway ### 2026-06-20: Conor McGregor's UFC 329 Return Faces Skepticism from Fellow Fighters Conor McGregor will return at UFC 329 to fight Max Holloway in Las Vegas, but fellow fighters Jorge Masvidal and Brad Pickett doubt his readiness due to age and a long layoff. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-return-faces-skepticism-from-fellow-fighters ### 2026-06-19: Conor McGregor to Return at UFC 329 Against Max Holloway Conor McGregor returns at UFC 329 on 11 July in Las Vegas, headlining against Max Holloway, and plans to bring his children to witness the comeback. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-return-at-ufc-329-against-max-holloway-1 ### 2026-06-16: Conor McGregor faces PED allegations ahead of UFC 329 comeback Conor McGregor returns at UFC 329 vs Max Holloway, denies PED use, says he didn’t know what was given; UFC says he’s been tested 19 times with no violations, and his next fight is set for April 2027, which he ‑ 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-denies-ped-use-cites-injury-recovery ### 2026-06-15: Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway UFC 329 rematch ignites fan debate McGregor and Holloway’s UFC 329 rematch on July 11, 2026 has sparked heated fan debate after a tense promotional interview at a White House‑hosted event. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-vs-max-holloway-ufc-329-rematch-ignites-fan-debate ### 2026-06-13: Conor McGregor vows comeback at UFC 329 against Max Holloway Conor McGregor will fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 on 11 July in Las Vegas, his first bout since a 2021 leg injury, saying he’s in top shape and ready to prove he can still compete at elite level. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-vows-comeback-at-ufc-329-against-max-holloway ### 2026-06-11: Los Angeles Dodgers face MLB inquiry into team doctor while Yamamoto nears perfect game MLB will interview Dodgers doctor Neal ElAttrache over Conor McGregor PED support, while pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto took a no‑hit, near‑perfect game into the ninth as the Dodgers beat the White Sox 7‑1. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mlb-probes-dodgers-doctor-neal-elattraches-role-in-conor-mcgregor-ped-case ### 2026-06-11: Conor McGregor accused of using banned drugs during 2021 leg injury recovery Conor McGregor is alleged to have taken banned performance‑enhancing drugs, supported by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, while recovering from a 2021 leg fracture, ahead of his July return against Max Holloway. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-accused-of-using-banned-drugs-during-2021-leg-injury-recovery ### 2026-06-11: Conor McGregor's UFC Return Fuels Gate Record Hopes Amid Doping Allegations Conor McGregor returns to headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway, with ticket sales set to break gate records, while a report alleges he used banned substances during his injury recovery. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-return-fuels-gate-record-hopes-amid-doping-allegations ### 2026-06-09: Max Holloway vs Conor McGregor set for UFC 329 in Las Vegas Max Holloway will fight returning Irish star Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, marking their second clash after McGregor’s 2013 win. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/max-holloway-vs-conor-mcgregor-set-for-ufc-329-in-las-vegas ### 2026-06-08: Max Holloway set for welterweight debut against Conor McGregor at UFC 329 Max Holloway will debut at welterweight to face Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, saying weight doesn’t matter and warning of possible trash‑talk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/max-holloway-set-for-welterweight-debut-against-conor-mcgregor-at-ufc-329 ### 2026-06-06: UFC predictions stir debate ahead of Pereira‑Gane and McGregor‑Holloway bouts Volkanovski predicts a tactical Gane‑Pereira fight, while Nurmagomedov doubts McGregor’s comeback at UFC 329, citing a five‑year absence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ufc-predictions-stir-debate-ahead-of-pereiragane-and-mcgregorholloway-bouts ### 2026-06-06: Conor McGregor to Face Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas Conor McGregor returns after five years to headline UFC 329, facing Max Holloway in a featherweight bout in Las Vegas on July 11. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-face-max-holloway-at-ufc-329-in-las-vegas-1 ### 2026-05-31: Conor McGregor returns to UFC 329, faces Max Holloway in welterweight bout Conor McGregor returns after five years at UFC 329, facing Max Holloway in a welterweight bout; Islam Makhachev lauds the comeback and backs Holloway to win. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-returns-to-ufc-329-faces-max-holloway-in-welterweight-bout ### 2026-05-28: Conor McGregor's UFC 329 Return Discussed by Dustin Poirier Dustin Poirier says a fourth fight with Conor McGregor could bring him out of retirement, noting McGregor's power remains despite timing doubts, as McGregor prepares to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregors-ufc-329-return-discussed-by-dustin-poirier ### 2026-05-27: Conor McGregor to Return at UFC 329 Against Max Holloway Conor McGregor returns July 11, 2026 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, facing Max Holloway in a welterweight bout that could be his penultimate fight under contract and carries major streaming and business implications. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-return-at-ufc-329-against-max-holloway ### 2026-05-25: Conor McGregor to Face Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas Conor McGregor returns after five years to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026, after signing a deal he calls “great.” 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-face-max-holloway-at-ufc-329-in-las-vegas ### 2026-05-23: Conor McGregor returns to face Max Holloway in UFC 329 rematch Conor McGregor returns at UFC 329 on July 11 to fight Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch, with mixed analyst predictions on the outcome. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-returns-to-face-max-holloway-in-ufc-329-rematch ### 2026-05-21: Conor McGregor Returns for UFC 329 Fight Against Max Holloway Conor McGregor, feeling “better than ever,” prepares for his UFC 329 return against Max Holloway on July 11 in Las Vegas; champion Ilia Topuria predicts a possible McGregor win and future fight speculation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-returns-for-ufc-329-fight-against-max-holloway ### 2026-05-21: Conor McGregor to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11 Conor McGregor will return to the UFC to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, sparking debate over his readiness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-face-max-holloway-at-ufc-329-in-las-vegas-on-july-11 ### 2026-05-18: Conor McGregor to Return at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026 Conor McGregor returns to headline UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026, facing Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-to-return-at-ufc-329-in-las-vegas-on-july-11-2026 ### 2026-05-07: Conor McGregor Expected to Return to UFC This Summer, Says Dana White UFC boss Dana White says Conor McGregor will fight this summer, with preparations underway after previous comeback attempts fell through. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-mcgregor-expected-to-return-to-ufc-this-summer-says-dana-white ### 2026-05-07: UFC eyes potential comebacks from Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor UFC hints at potential returns for Dustin Poirier (vs. Nate Diaz) and Conor McGregor this year. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ufc-eyes-potential-comebacks-from-dustin-poirier-and-conor-mcgregor --- Cite as: McGregor injury, surgery, year out, 2027 ‘Last Dance’. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-signals-return-plans-for-conor-mcgregor-and-dustin-poirier