Conor McGregor wanted different UFC return fight opponent, not Max Holloway

The much-awaited return of Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor to the UFC is on the horizon. McGregor is scheduled to fight Max Holloway at the upcoming UFC 329 on Jul. 11, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena.

Several years ago, before his injury and suspension, McGregor had expressed his interest in fighting Michael Chandler, but he could not and had to instead fight Max Holloway. Set to be in his first fight since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, McGregor wanted to again take on Chandler during his return.

McGregor’s manager, Audie Attar, recently, during an interview with MMA Junkie, opened up and revealed his first choice of opponent. “Conor [McGregor] really wanted to give [his comeback fight] to Michael Chandler. He just felt Michael deserved it, having gone through the show and experienced that camp, the unfortunate injury and the cancellation of the bout.”

“Conor really, really wanted that to happen, and we did everything to try to push it. At the time, it just didn’t make sense for the UFC, but it doesn’t mean that it might not happen in the future. Michael [Chandler] has a great fight ahead of him at the White House (against Mauricio Ruffy), and we wish him the best. We want him to succeed. It can become a reality.” Despite hyping up a potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight, his manager also gave Holloway his flowers.

Conor McGregor’s manager breaks down his upcoming Max Holloway fight

In the same interview, McGregor’s manager continued and discussed the Irish fighter’s upcoming match against Holloway. “I think, from a Max Holloway perspective, we know we got one on Max, and he wants to get that back. We know they faced each other when they were 145ers, and we know that Max is game, and he’s going to put on a great performance. We just felt it was the right match-up.

“One of the things, obviously, with being out with the time Conor has been out for, it just made sense to do it at 170, right? Max was game right away and willing to step up and take the match-up at 170.”

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