​On Saturday night, a legion of UFC fans’ wait will finally end. For the first time in five years, former two-division champion Conor McGregor will step back into the Octagon for a highly anticipated rematch with fellow UFC legend Max Holloway. Heading into the main event of UFC 329, McGregor is a clear underdog. He hasn’t competed since 2021, has lost three of his last four in the Octagon, and hasn’t earned a victory since 2020. Yet there are many around the sport who believe the 37-year-old remains a dangerous matchup for the man he once defeated inside the Octagon, 13 years ago.
If Notorious can return to vintage form in Las Vegas this weekend, we look at five intriguing options for a return fight later this year. The UFC’s top target, and the one they reportedly tried to make happen this year, is a third and final clash with Nate Diaz. Even though Diaz didn’t look sharp in his comeback in May after two years away, the promotion will overlook that stumble because the potential earnings are enormous. Fans have chased a trilogy between two of the UFC’s most famous fighters for years, and it’s a simple booking for later this year, even if McGregor loses at UFC 329.
There has long been chatter about a matchup between McGregor and lightweight legend Charles Oliveira. The Brazilian has indicated he’s open to the fight, and Oliveira currently holds the BMF title after beating Holloway for the belt in March. For McGregor, focusing on the BMF title after a Holloway win makes more sense at this stage of his career, and fans would likely embrace a showdown with “Do Bronx.”
Another matchup fans have coveted for years is a headlining bout with the newly crowned undisputed lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Would McGregor deserve a title shot after just one win in five years? Probably not. But the UFC frequently prioritizes marquee matchups and big-money fights over strict merit. A McGregor vs. Gaethje clash following a win over Holloway—given that Holloway knocked out Gaethje for the BMF belt two years ago—would be a blockbuster, money-driven appointment.
A very logical route forward for McGregor is a booking against England’s favorite son, Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett is set to face Benoit Saint Denis on Saturday’s main card. A victory by both fighters could pave the way for a lucrative England vs. Ireland showdown at Wembley Stadium in London. And the bout could be contested at either lightweight or welterweight, echoing this weekend’s main event in terms of weight class flexibility.
If the 37-year-old is serious about remaining a permanent force at 170 pounds and chasing gold with a UFC 329 victory, a sensible option would be a strategic booking that also enhances visibility and search presence. A path that combines high-profile opponents, potential title implications, and cross-continental appeal would maximize McGregor’s chances of capitalizing on his long-awaited return.