
Find out all you need to know about Conor McGregor's return to the UFC octagon on Saturday night here.
Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon this weekend when he faces Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
The welterweight contest is a rematch of their 2013 encounter, which McGregor won by unanimous decision. More than a decade later, Holloway enters as the odds-on favourite to avenge that defeat against an opponent who has not competed for five years.
When Is McGregor vs Holloway in the UK?
McGregor vs Holloway 2 is expected to begin at approximately 4:30am BST on Sunday 12th July, although the precise start time will depend on the duration of the preceding fights.
UFC 329 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday 11th July. The early preliminary card begins at 10pm BST on Saturday, followed by the prelims at midnight and the main card from 2am on Sunday morning.
UFC 329 UK Start Times
| Stage | UK date | UK start time |
|---|---|---|
| Early prelims | Saturday 11th July | 10pm |
| Preliminary card | Sunday 12th July | 12am |
| Main card | Sunday 12th July | 2am |
| McGregor vs Holloway | Sunday 12th July | Approximately 4:30am |
UK coverage of the preliminary card is scheduled to be shown on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, with the main card available through TNT Sports Box Office.
Holloway vs McGregor Odds
Max Holloway is the 4/9 favourite to beat Conor McGregor in the UFC 329 main event. McGregor is priced at 2/1 to win his first fight since July 2021.
The market makes Holloway the clear favourite, reflecting the significant contrast in recent activity. McGregor has been absent since suffering a serious leg injury during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier, while Holloway has continued competing against leading opponents.
Their records entering UFC 329 stand at 22-6 for McGregor and 27-9 for Holloway.
Holloway vs McGregor Prediction
McGregor’s clearest route to victory is likely to come during the opening stages. His timing, counter-striking and left hand could make him dangerous while both fighters are fresh, particularly with the rematch taking place at welterweight rather than featherweight.
However, it is difficult to overlook the uncertainty created by five years outside the Octagon. Holloway has remained active, accumulated considerably more recent fight time and continued facing elite-level opposition during McGregor’s absence.
The longer the contest lasts, the more it should suit Holloway’s pace, output and proven ability to sustain pressure. He must respect McGregor’s power early, but he should gradually increase his combinations as the Irishman begins to slow.
Prediction: Max Holloway to win by stoppage in rounds three or four.
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2 Prediction
McGregor controlled much of the pair’s first meeting in August 2013, landing 53 significant strikes compared with Holloway’s 23 and completing four takedowns on his way to a unanimous-decision victory.
That result offers only limited guidance 13 years later. Both men have since become UFC champions, but Holloway has been substantially more active in recent seasons and has developed into one of the promotion’s highest-volume strikers.
McGregor may attempt to manage the distance and land powerful counters as Holloway advances. Carrying additional weight at 170lb could enhance his power, but it may also make sustaining a high tempo more difficult after such a lengthy layoff.
Holloway’s priority should be to avoid unnecessary exchanges during the first round before forcing McGregor to work through repeated combinations and changes of pace. If he can withstand the initial danger, the favourite should begin taking control during the middle rounds.
Holloway owns nine knockout victories inside the UFC and holds the record for the most knockouts in the promotion’s featherweight division, demonstrating that his volume can eventually produce a finish rather than merely win rounds.
McGregor vs Holloway Betting Tips
Max Holloway to win – 4/9
Holloway’s activity, conditioning and recent experience provide the stronger overall case. The 4/9 price is short, but it reflects the considerable challenge facing McGregor after five years away from competitive action.
Bet Builder: Max Holloway to win and the fight not to go the distance
McGregor is at his most dangerous early, meaning an upset is most likely to arrive through a stoppage rather than a controlled five-round performance. Should McGregor fail to capitalise on that initial window, Holloway’s volume could wear him down and create a finish later in the contest.
What Happened in the First McGregor vs Holloway Fight?
McGregor and Holloway first fought at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston on 17th August 2013.
McGregor was only making his second UFC appearance but produced a composed performance despite sustaining a knee injury during the contest. He outlanded Holloway on the feet, successfully introduced his wrestling and secured a unanimous-decision victory after three rounds.
Holloway was just 21 at the time and had made only five UFC appearances. The rematch therefore features two vastly more experienced fighters competing at welterweight rather than the 145lb featherweight limit used in their first encounter.
UFC 329 Full Fight Card and Odds
The UFC 329 card is headlined by McGregor against Holloway, while Paddy Pimblett faces Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event. Cory Sandhagen, Robert Whittaker, Brandon Royval and former Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson are also scheduled to compete.
UFC 329 Main Card
| UK time | Fight | Fighter 1 odds | Fighter 2 odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30am | Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway | 2/1 | 4/9 |
| 3:45am | Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis | 6/5 | 8/11 |
| 3:15am | Cory Sandhagen vs Mario Bautista | 8/11 | 6/5 |
| 2:45am | Brandon Royval vs Lone’er Kavanagh | 19/10 | 1/2 |
| 2:15am | King Green vs Terrance McKinney | 6/5 | 4/5 |
| 2:15am | Gable Steveson vs Elisha Ellison | 1/20 | 12/1 |
UFC 329 Preliminary Card
| UK time | Fight | Fighter 1 odds | Fighter 2 odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:35am | Robert Whittaker vs Nikita Krylov | 5/6 | 15/13 |
| 12:40am | Cody Garbrandt vs Adrian Yanez | 10/3 | 1/4 |
| 12:15am | Luke Riley vs Kai Kamaka | 2/5 | 12/5 |
| 11:40pm | Tracy Cortez vs Wang Cong | Evens | 10/11 |
| 11:15pm | Damian Pinas vs Cesar Almeida | 2/5 | 21/10 |
| 10:50pm | Farid Basharat vs John Garza | 1/6 | 9/2 |
| 10:30pm | Ryan Gandra vs Zach Reese | 10/13 | 11/10 |
| 10:05pm | Cody Durden vs Alessandro Costa | 39/19 | 3/7 |
Fight order, start times and odds may change. All listed times are UK times. Find and compare best UFC odds here.





