​With Conor McGregor’s return preparation tightly under wraps, Megan Olivi enjoyed a rare glimpse into how the former two-division champion is training ahead of his comeback fight. McGregor (27-9 MMA, 23-9 UFC) is set to step back into the octagon for the first time in five years on July 11, facing Max Holloway (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) in a five-round welterweight headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (Paramount+). The bout is a rematch of their August 2013 meeting, which “The Notorious” won by unanimous decision.
McGregor’s road back to competition has been long, following his leg break and stretcher exit in the UFC 264 trilogy defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Rumors about his return swirled for years, and he was briefly booked to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in July 2024 before withdrawing due to a toe injury. With UFC 329 just over a week away, the odds that McGregor will fight again feel stronger than ever, and longtime UFC reporter and host Olivi believes he’ll be ready.
She traveled to Dublin in June for a sit-down interview with McGregor and to observe portions of his training firsthand, noting several positive indicators. “I went to Dublin right before the UFC White House show, and I think we can expect to see an old-school Conor McGregor—confidence, Mystic Mac, and the persona he presents in the press conferences,” Olivi told MMA Junkie. “And I do think he took training really seriously for this one. I’m greatly looking forward to the McGregor–Holloway showdown at 170. Honestly, I’m not sure who the weight class benefits more. Max cuts a lot of weight, but Conor’s frame is different, and they’ll carry the weight at 170 in distinct ways. Stylistically, a rematch is exciting, but both fighters have grown since their first meeting. I think our expectations will align with what drew people to the sport in the first place—McGregor’s mic skills—and Max makes a great dance partner for that aspect of it.”
When the McGregor–Holloway II promotion was announced, Holloway was a massive betting favorite. As fight night approaches, the betting line has narrowed, suggesting public support for McGregor is rising. Olivi attributes this shift to a clearer view of McGregor’s health and focus: a healthier, more locked-in fighter after a lengthy layoff. “I saw the odds change a little after they showed Conor on the beach in California, looking in shape and taking things seriously,” she said. “I can see that. But it’s tough when you’ve been away for five years following a devastating injury. There’s a lot to consider here. Holloway has stayed active, which has benefited him in some ways and posed challenges in others. One thing I know about Max is his ability to stay grounded, win or lose.”