Max Holloway delivers stance on Conor McGregor UFC trilogy after rival’s nightmare injury

Jul 12, 2026 - 08:30

Max Holloway has suggested he’d be open to facing Conor McGregor again in 2027.

McGregor made a comeback to the octagon after five years as he returned in a rematch with Holloway at UFC 329.

Conor McGregor of Ireland falls after sustaining an injury on a kick in the first around against Max Holloway of the United States in their welterweight bout during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada — McGregor’s comeback ended in total disaster, with another injury preventing him from getting into deeper waters with Holloway

But his night was extremely short lived as he suffered a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury, ending his return in just 69 seconds.

It was another unfortunate moment for the Irishman, having broken his leg against Dustin Poirier, which contributed to his lengthy hiatus.

Despite facing a spell on the sidelines, many have asked if McGregor should receive a third fight with ‘Blessed’, given the injury stemmed from throwing his own leg kick.

And the Hawaii native was clearly open to another clash, once the fate of his rival’s injury prognosis is confirmed.

Holloway said at the post-fight presss conference: “After turning around so fast for this fight in March, it’s been fast.

“But I’d love to see this Conor 170lbs domain that he was talking about. This different world he was talking about.

“I want to see what his injury is first, but I then want to come back again in 2027.

“I will take some time to have a break to see my family, and then you guys will see Blessed return in 2027.”

The pair now have one win apiece on their record against each other, with McGregor winning their original clash in 2013.

McGregor update

It appears that ‘The Notorious’ is set for some time away from the octagon again, having limped out of the cage in a bad way.

Max Holloway talks with Conor McGregor of Ireland after their welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada — Holloway is open to facing McGregor but won’t be back until 2027

If a cruciate ligament injury is diagnosed, he could face up to a year away from any kind of physical activity to rehabilitate the injury.

The injury brings more frustration and the promise of less activity once again, after vowing to see out his UFC contract.

He has a deal remaining with Dana White‘s promotion, and could fight again if he can try to get back to competitive physical condition.

When issuing a statement on his injury, McGregor wrote: “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed.

“I had no injury / injuries going into the fight.

“I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight.

UFC Meta Rankings

The UFC ranking system is ever-evolving and is now more different than ever.

Right up until the summer of 2026, the UFC used its official rankings based on media votes.

However, as of June 22, 2026, the UFC began transitioning away from the traditional media panel to new AI-based rankings in partnership with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta.

The new rankings will be automatically calculated and updated every Monday following official events.

And talkSPORT.com have made it easy for MMA fans to stay up to date with the new system through a full and regularly updated UFC Meta Rankings list, including stars from the heavyweight and lightweight divisions.

“This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”