Conor McGregor has issued his first statement since announcing his long-awaited UFC return, insisting he is 'fully tuned in' and 'energised' for the challenge ahead. The former two-division champion is set to end a five-year hiatus when he faces Max Holloway in a welterweight bout at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.
McGregor, 37, has not fought since breaking his leg in a first-round defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. He was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler two years ago but withdrew due to injury. Now, after months of intense training, the Dublin native is ready to step back into the octagon.
McGregor's Statement on Social Media
Taking to social media, McGregor addressed his millions of followers with a heartfelt message. 'Thank you for all the love, support, and encouragement over the last few days, people!' he wrote. 'I am feeling very energised entering intense training camp because of it! I am very grateful for the team I have around me. My coaches and training partners, we are all fully tuned in for the challenge at hand and it is a glorious time in our gym!'
He added: 'Swipe to see an incredible snap shot of sparring with my long time training partner and friend, @nicolosolli_mma, who is in phenomenal condition pushing me hard, with coaches monitoring our every exchange. I am better than ever, and I relish the opportunity to once again show my mastery in martial arts to the world. Lord Jesus in your name, please, to inspire the next generation to come! Amen.'
Previous Meeting with Holloway
This will not be the first time McGregor and Holloway have shared the cage. The two met in 2013, with McGregor securing a decision victory. Since then, Holloway has moved up to lightweight, earning wins over Poirier and Justin Gaethje. However, the Hawaiian has been knocked down in his last three fights, leading Poirier to suggest his chin may be weakening.
'The thing that I keep thinking about is in Max's last three fights, he's touched the canvas more times than he's touched his whole career,' Poirier said on Paramount's Deep Waters show. 'If Max's chin is finally catching up to the style of fighting he does, Conor could put him down.'
