UFC 223: A Max Holloway win in main event may be what lures Conor McGregor back to fight
The last-second change may be just what the doctor ordered for UFC
www.cbssports.comHere’s the latest on Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, based on current reporting up through May 2026.
Direct answer
- Rumors have circulated in 2026 about a McGregor vs. Holloway rematch, with several outlets and influencers suggesting International Fight Week as a potential venue, though no official bout announcement has been confirmed by the UFC as of now.
Context and key developments
- May 2026 coverage indicates Holloway publicly signaling interest in a rematch and stating he’s been training with McGregor as a potential next opponent in mind, with conversations surrounding a headline UFC 329 or similar event, but without formal confirmation from either fighter or the UFC .
- In parallel, there has been significant media and fan speculation about McGregor’s return date and opponent options, with Holloway repeatedly appearing as a leading candidate in various reports, but again lacking an official UFC confirmation .
- Related video and social-media-driven rumors have amplified the chatter around a high-profile rematch, though these sources are primarily commentary and speculation rather than official announcements .
What to watch for next
- An official UFC press release or statement from Dana White confirming McGregor’s return and the opponent would settle the question. If a rematch takes place, it would likely be positioned as a marquee, pay-per-view-level event given both fighters’ star power .
- Updates from major outlets (ESPN, MMA Fighting, CBS Sports, TMZ Sports) as they typically corroborate any realignment of plans or dates for International Fight Week or other major UFC events .
Illustrative note
- If the bout is official, it would represent a rare high-profile rematch between two longtime rivals and could reshape momentum for both fighters in 2026, given their historical significance and star appeal .
Would you like me to monitor for an official announcement and summarize any confirmed details as soon as they are released? I can also pull a side-by-side with their previous encounter and discuss potential strategic matchups if a rematch happens. I’ll provide updates with citations as sources publish them.