Conor McGregor isn’t interested in walking away from mixed martial arts with his last appearance inside the Octagon ending because of another devastating injury. The former two-division UFC champion has made it clear that if he returns for one final fight, he wants another opportunity against Max Holloway.
Speaking during Saturday’s BKFC Glasgow post-fight news conference, McGregor reiterated his desire to face Holloway following their controversial July encounter at UFC 329. That fight ended just 69 seconds into the opening round when McGregor suffered a right knee injury, resulting in a technical knockout victory for Holloway.
For McGregor, the circumstances surrounding the stoppage have been difficult to accept. “It has to be Holloway,” McGregor told reporters.
The 38-year-old Irish superstar believes the fight ended before either competitor had an opportunity to demonstrate who was the better fighter. Despite another lengthy rehabilitation process, McGregor insists he isn’t finished competing.
McGregor Still Frustrated Over Holloway Stoppage
McGregor’s highly anticipated return against Holloway was supposed to mark a significant moment in his career. After spending five years away from the Octagon following his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, McGregor finally returned to competition in Las Vegas.
However, the comeback ended almost as quickly as it began. McGregor suffered a right knee injury in the opening seconds, severely limiting his mobility before the contest was stopped at the 69-second mark.
Holloway was awarded the TKO victory, improving his professional record to 28-9 while McGregor fell to 22-7. But McGregor remains convinced that the stoppage did not reflect the competitive reality of the matchup.
“Just do the f—— thing again. Just do the thing again,” McGregor said. “The guy didn’t engage once. He’s the one that called for the stoppage in the fight.”
McGregor also accused Holloway of avoiding exchanges after realizing he was injured. “On the one leg, he wasn’t coming near me,” McGregor said. “It’s so shocking and so heartbreaking to me and I’m still f—— dealing with it.”
Those comments reflect McGregor’s frustration with an outcome he believes was determined by injury rather than his opponent’s performance. However, the official result remains a TKO victory for Holloway.
McGregor Targets Return Before Summer 2027
During Saturday’s news conference, McGregor provided an update on his rehabilitation and suggested he could return to competition before next summer. “I’m on my way back,” McGregor said.
The former champion indicated that he is approximately three months removed from surgery and believes his previous recovery experience provides a useful timeline. “I done this injury before and returned within nine months. So nine months is pre-summer. I just want to go again and again.”
While McGregor’s optimism is encouraging, no official UFC return date has been announced. His ability to compete will depend on his rehabilitation progress, medical clearance and the UFC’s willingness to arrange another fight.
McGregor also acknowledged that circumstances could force him to consider an opponent other than Holloway. But his preference remains unmistakable. He wants the opportunity to settle unfinished business with the Hawaiian former champion.
Why Holloway Remains McGregor’s Preferred Opponent
A rematch between McGregor and Holloway would carry significant historical importance. The two first met in August 2013, when McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision during his early rise through the UFC featherweight division.
That victory came before McGregor captured championships in two weight classes and became one of the biggest pay-per-view attractions in MMA history.
Holloway subsequently developed into one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters, building a reputation for his durability, high-volume striking and willingness to compete against elite opponents.
Their July rematch offered an opportunity to revisit a rivalry that began more than a decade earlier. However, McGregor’s injury prevented the fight from developing into the competitive contest many fans anticipated.
A third meeting would provide another opportunity to determine how the two fighters match up at this stage of their careers. For McGregor, it would also represent a chance to finish his UFC career on his own terms.
For Holloway, the decision to accept another fight would depend on his own career priorities and the UFC’s plans. There has been no confirmation that Holloway has agreed to a third meeting.
McGregor Sends Warning to Potential Opponents
Although Holloway remains his primary target, McGregor hasn’t completely ruled out other possibilities. However, the Irish superstar made it clear that he has little interest in entertaining challenges from fighters who haven’t established themselves at the highest level.
“Something might happen, I don’t know,” McGregor said.
“But a fighter that fights me, put some respect on my name. If you’re not a world champion fighter, if you’ve not got world accolades to your name, don’t utter my f—— name.”
The comments suggest McGregor wants his potential final UFC appearance to carry significance beyond simply returning to competition. Throughout his career, McGregor has been involved in some of the biggest fights in UFC history.
His championship victories, rivalries and promotional ability helped transform him into an international superstar. Even after years of inactivity, his name continues to generate considerable attention.
But his most recent performances have been defined more by injuries and extended absences than victories. That reality makes his next decision particularly important.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
