Ariel Helwani reports that a fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway is on the "home stretch" and something extraordinary would need to happen for it to fall through. According to Helwani, everything is nearly ready and the bout will soon be signed, formalized, and officially confirmed for July 11. Only a serious unforeseen circumstance could prevent the fight from happening at this point. While not yet 100 percent confirmed, the plan is very close to being finalized. This would mark a highly anticipated rematch years after their first meeting in the UFC.
A rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway is closing in on an official announcement, with reporter Ariel Helwani describing the bout as being on the "home stretch" and nearly certain to be formalized for July 11. According to Helwani, only a serious and unforeseen circumstance would prevent the fight from being signed and confirmed.
Max Holloway, 34, enters the matchup as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. Currently ranked fourth at lightweight and ninth on the pound-for-pound list, "Blessed" carries a record of 27-9-0 and fights out of Hawaii representing Gracie Technics. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 69-inch reach, Holloway lands an extraordinary 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, numbers that reflect a relentless offensive output sustained over years at the elite level.
Conor McGregor, 37, comes in at 22-6-0 and represents SBG Ireland. The southpaw Dubliner stands five-foot-nine with a notably long 74-inch reach, and connects on 49 percent of his significant strikes, landing 5.32 per minute. McGregor has no divisional ranking listed in the current data, making his return to competition one of the most closely watched storylines in the sport regardless.
The two previously met earlier in their careers, giving this contest the additional weight of a personal rivalry revisited.
Why it matters
- Holloway is a top-five lightweight and top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, meaning a high-profile win carries genuine ranking implications
- McGregor's return to the octagon is a marquee event in itself, and a victory over a fighter of Holloway's caliber would immediately re-establish his contender status
- The striking styles create a compelling contrast: Holloway's relentless volume against McGregor's southpaw precision and reach advantage
- The bout is described as near-finalized but has not yet received official UFC confirmation
