Ariel Helwani reports that the fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway is currently on the "final stretch" and nearly finalized. According to Helwani, something extraordinary would have to happen for this bout to fall through at this stage. The fight is targeted for July 11 and is almost ready to be signed, formalized, and officially confirmed. While not yet 100 percent complete, the plan is very close to being locked in. This represents a significant potential rematch between two former featherweight rivals.
Reporter Ariel Helwani says a rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway is on the "final stretch," with the bout targeted for July 11 and described as nearly finalized. Helwani indicated that something extraordinary would have to occur at this stage for the fight to fall apart, though formal confirmation has not yet been made.
McGregor, 37, carries a professional record of 22-6 and fights out of SBG Ireland. The southpaw Irishman stands five-foot-nine with a notably long 74-inch reach, and has posted a striking accuracy of 49 percent alongside 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute across his career. He has not competed recently, making this a highly anticipated return to the cage.
Holloway, nicknamed "Blessed," enters at 34 years old with a record of 27-9. The orthodox striker from the United States currently ranks fourth in the lightweight division and ninth in the pound-for-pound standings. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 69-inch reach, Holloway is one of the most prolific volume strikers in the sport, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He trains out of Gracie Technics.
The two previously met at UFC 212 in 2013, making any July meeting a long-awaited rematch between former featherweight rivals.
Why it matters
- McGregor's return to action is among the most commercially significant bouts the UFC could make
- A win for either man carries major implications in the lightweight division, where Holloway currently holds a top-five ranking
- The stylistic matchup pits Holloway's elite volume and output against McGregor's southpaw precision and power
- Holloway's longer competitive run in recent years contrasts sharply with McGregor's extended absence from competition
