UFC 223: A Max Holloway win in main event may be what lures Conor McGregor back to fight
The last-second change may be just what the doctor ordered for UFC
www.cbssports.comHere’s the latest I can summarize on Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, based on available reports up to now.
Short answer
- There have been multiple public signals in 2026 that a McGregor vs. Holloway rematch has been discussed as a potential major event, with various outlets reporting Holloway actively pursuing a fight with McGregor and Dana White signaling a return for McGregor around International Fight Week. However, as of now, no official bout contract or confirmation from the UFC has been publicly finalized.
Context and key developments
- Spring 2026 coverage indicates Holloway is training with an eye toward a rematch with McGregor, aiming for a high-profile matchup that could headline a UFC show around International Fight Week [CBS Sports coverage examples in May 2026]. This suggests serious interest and readiness from Holloway’s side, though no formal fight agreement had been announced at that time [CBS Sports coverage in May 2026].
- Reports around International Fight Week 2026 flagged McGregor's plan to return, with various media outlets and reaction videos hinting at a McGregor-Holloway rematch as a leading candidate. Some pieces framed it as a potential main event given the historical significance and fan demand around a McGregor return [Yardbarker and related outlets in May 2026; various YouTube recap videos in 2026].
- It’s worth noting there were older events and rumors about a rematch from 2013–2018 eras that resurfaced in 2026 as fans and media speculated about a comeback pairing. These remained rumors until an official UFC announcement or contract details were published [multiple 2026 coverage pieces].
What to watch for next
- An official UFC press release or direct confirmation from Dana White confirming the bout and the date around International Fight Week or another marquee event.
- Contract details such as the fight weight class, bout length (likely welterweight or a catchweight given both fighters’ histories), and the undercard lineup.
- Statements from either fighter or their camps, or confirmation of event location (Las Vegas often used for International Fight Week) and broadcast particulars.
If you’d like, I can monitor for official announcements and summarize them with precise dates and quotes as soon as they’re published. I can also pull a quick side-by-side comparison of how a hypothetical McGregor-Holloway rematch would differ from their 2013 encounter in terms of style matchups and potential scoring dynamics.