UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has acknowledged the significance of Conor McGregor’s return to the promotion at UFC 329 and offered his take on the upcoming showdown, tipping Max Holloway to get the better of ‘The Notorious’. McGregor will make his comeback after a five-year layoff when he faces Holloway during International Fight Week.
Makhachev welcomes McGregor’s return
Despite a longstanding rivalry between their camps, Makhachev made clear that he views McGregor’s return as a win for mixed martial arts. Speaking to UFC on TNT Sports, the Russian champion said, “Yeah, it’s good, it’s good. (He’s) a big name in our sport.” The comments underline how McGregor remains a box-office attraction even after half a decade away from competition.
Islam Makhachev says Conor McGregor's return is good for the sport but is picking Max Holloway to defeat him 👀#UFC329 | Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/RenE6Tz5nO
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) May 31, 2026
The former UFC double champion will step back into the Octagon against Holloway, a fighter who has been active eight times since McGregor last fought. UFC president Dana White confirmed the Irishman’s return for UFC 329 in Las Vegas, capping an event that has attracted significant attention from fans around the world.
Prediction and weight-class discussion
Alongside praising the spotlight McGregor brings, Makhachev went on to predict that Holloway will triumph when the two collide. “Max Holloway against Conor, I think Max can beat him,” he stated. The opinion is shared by Owen Roddy, McGregor’s boxing coach, who has also described Holloway as a tough adversary.
Holloway’s move to welterweight marks his first fight at 170lbs, having campaigned at featherweight for most of his career before a recent step up to lightweight. His lack of a weight cut for this bout has even been cited by Joe Rogan as a potential advantage, with Rogan suggesting Holloway could arrive in “insane shape” as a result.
Implications for the sport
McGregor’s comeback carries high stakes: should he suffer defeat, some pundits warn it could erode his standing in the division. Yet his return is nonetheless celebrated by fighters and analysts alike for the renewed attention it brings to the UFC and to MMA generally. Makhachev’s endorsement reinforces the view that even after years away, McGregor remains pivotal to the sport’s commercial appeal.
The pairing of a returning megastar against a seasoned contender promises compelling narratives and could shape the welterweight landscape depending on the outcome. For now, McGregor’s second act is firmly on the radar, as UFC 329 readies to deliver one of the most anticipated fights of International Fight Week.
FAQ
What did Islam Makhachev say about Conor McGregor’s return?
Makhachev told UFC on TNT Sports that McGregor’s comeback is positive for MMA, acknowledging him as a “big name” in the sport before predicting that Max Holloway can defeat him.
When and where will Conor McGregor return?
McGregor will make his return at UFC 329 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas, marking his first fight in five years.
Who is McGregor’s opponent at UFC 329?
He faces former featherweight champion Max Holloway, who has fought eight times since McGregor last competed and will be moving up to welterweight for the first time.
Why is the weight class significant in this bout?
Holloway’s fight at 170lbs is his debut at welterweight. Analyst Joe Rogan has suggested that not having to cut weight could give Holloway a conditioning advantage over McGregor.
