MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reports that the UFC is working on a fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway scheduled for July 11. This would be a high-profile rematch, as the two previously fought in 2013 when McGregor won by unanimous decision at featherweight. No official confirmation has been made by the UFC yet. Both fighters are former featherweight champions who have since competed at higher weight classes. The date would place this bout on a major summer card.
According to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, the UFC is in the process of developing a rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, with a target date of July 11. No official announcement has been issued by the promotion, and the bout should be treated as unconfirmed at this stage.
McGregor, 37, carries a 22-6-0 record and has not fought since suffering a leg injury in 2021. The Irishman trains out of SBG Ireland and is a former two-division champion. Fighting out of a southpaw stance, he stands five-foot-nine with a notably long 74-inch reach and posts a striking accuracy of 49 percent, landing 5.32 significant strikes per minute across his career.
Holloway, nicknamed "Blessed," enters any potential matchup ranked fourth in the lightweight division and ninth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 34-year-old American owns a 27-9-0 record and is one of the most prolific strikers in UFC history, averaging 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 69-inch reach, the orthodox stylist represents a considerable step up in volume for any opponent.
The two previously met in 2013 at featherweight, with McGregor earning a unanimous decision victory in what was an early career outing for both men.
Why it matters
- A McGregor return alone would make this one of the highest-profile cards of 2026
- Holloway's top-five lightweight ranking means the bout carries genuine divisional weight
- The style contrast is stark: Holloway's elite volume output against McGregor's power and southpaw angles
- As an unconfirmed report, official details on weight class and card placement remain to be established
