Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC octagon seems imminent, with July 11 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena being the strong target date for his comeback during International Fight Week. Max Holloway and Jorge Masvidal are currently the top contenders being considered as his opponent.
Why Max Holloway and Jorge Masvidal Lead as Potential Opponents
Industry sources suggest McGregor is slated to headline the UFC pay-per-view event during International Fight Week on Saturday, July 11, at the T-Mobile Arena. This date is already appearing on ticket sites for the promotion’s major summer card. International Fight Week, scheduled from July 4–11 in Las Vegas, is a significant annual event featuring fan activities, the Hall of Fame ceremony, and a highly anticipated pay-per-view. Although the UFC has not yet officially confirmed McGregor’s participation, widespread speculation points to him occupying this prime slot. Furthermore, McGregor’s recent social media posts tagging Paramount+ indicate a strong connection between his potential July 11 return and the streaming platform’s 2026 UFC content rollout. This alignment of International Fight Week, Las Vegas, and a global streaming partner would position this event as one of the UFC’s most commercially vital cards of the year.
Renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has publicly stated that a July 11 fight for McGregor is largely expected, with only a “disastrous” unforeseen event capable of derailing it. Helwani emphasized the UFC’s strong desire to have McGregor headline this International Fight Week, especially after previous attempts, such as the planned Michael Chandler bout for UFC 303, fell through. Regarding potential opponents, reports suggest the UFC is primarily considering former BMF titleholders Max Holloway and Jorge Masvidal. Holloway, who recently lost his BMF title to Charles Oliveira, has expressed keen interest in a rematch with McGregor “at any weight.” Masvidal, inactive since March 2022 but hinting at a summer comeback, is also seen as a strong candidate due to his BMF title history and continued popularity.
McGregor himself has fueled the rumors with an extensive social media post, declaring, “The rumours are true!” and promising the return of “Mr. Confidence to save fighting again.” He encouraged fans to “watch and pay me,” signing off with his signature “The Notorious” brand. In the same statement, he directly mentioned Paramount+, claimed to be “born ready,” and embraced his “Big Money Mac” persona, portraying his comeback as effortless and everlasting. Combined with Helwani’s insights and the International Fight Week schedule, all signs point to a July 11 return for McGregor in Las Vegas, with Holloway and Masvidal leading the list of potential adversaries.
Conor McGregor’s Recent Years and Hiatus
McGregor’s last octagon appearance was at UFC 264 in July 2021, where he suffered a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier. The fight ended due to a broken left leg at the close of the first round in their trilogy bout at T-Mobile Arena, with officials stopping the contest after replays confirmed his ankle collapsing.
Since that injury, McGregor has remained active outside of competition. He bulked up for and filmed the “Road House” remake with Jake Gyllenhaal, significantly expanded his business ventures, and entered combat sports promotion, notably acquiring a part-ownership stake in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2024.
His time away from fighting has also been marked by persistent legal and reputational challenges. McGregor has been in the news for driving offenses, various civil and criminal allegations, and was found liable for sexual assault in an Irish civil case related to a 2018 incident. He unsuccessfully appealed this ruling in 2025, consistently denying any wrongdoing.
Despite nearly five years away from the cage, McGregor retains his status as the UFC’s most prominent crossover star. His name consistently penetrates mainstream news, film, and celebrity circles. His pay-per-view events remain among the highest-selling in the promotion’s history, his social media activity quickly influences the news cycle, and his whiskey brand and other business endeavors maintain his public profile even during his fighting hiatus.
