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  "path": "/sport/mma/conor-mcgregor-ufc-return-2026",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-17T10:27:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Chelsea confirm appointment of Xabi Alonso as new manager at Stamford Bridge",
    "Man City star Antoine Semenyo scores sensational FA Cup winner as Chelsea land horror record",
    "Britain formally backs plans to host Olympics in the north of England",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nConor McGregor is set to step back into the octagon for the first time in five years when he takes on Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11.\n\nThe welterweight contest will unfold at Las Vegas's T-Mobile Arena, for the Irish fighter's first bout since 2021.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe two fighters previously met at featherweight back in 2013, with McGregor emerging victorious via a points decision.\n\nHolloway, now 34, presents a tough challenge for McGregor's return, having competed consistently at the elite level of lightweight in recent years.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMcGregor's last appearance in the UFC ended devastatingly when he suffered a broken leg during his defeat to Dustin Poirier four years ago.\n\nThe Irishman had been scheduled to make his long-awaited return against American fighter Michael Chandler last year, but that bout fell through when McGregor withdrew just over a fortnight before the event after sustaining a broken toe.\n\nSince his professional debut in 2008, McGregor has accumulated a record of 22 victories and six losses.\n\nThe former two-weight world champion made history as the UFC's first fighter to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Chelsea confirm appointment of Xabi Alonso as new manager at Stamford Bridge\n  * Man City star Antoine Semenyo scores sensational FA Cup winner as Chelsea land horror record\n  * Britain formally backs plans to host Olympics in the north of England\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMcGregor's return comes after serving an 18-month suspension for breaching the UFC's anti-doping regulations.\n\nThe ban was imposed following three missed drug tests within a 12-month period in 2024.\n\nBackdated to his third missed test in September 2024, the suspension came to an end in March this year.\n\nSince completing his ban, McGregor has undergone extensive scrutiny from Combat Sports Anti-Doping authorities.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Irishman has been subjected to 11 tests by CSAD in 2025 alone – a figure that exceeds any other competitor on the UFC roster.\n\nThe UFC 329 card also features several British fighters looking to make their mark in Las Vegas.\n\nLiverpool's Paddy Pimblett will face French opponent Benoit Saint-Denis in what will be his first outing since suffering defeat against Justin Gaethje at the start of the year.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nFlyweight Lone'er Kavanagh, another British competitor, has been matched against Brandon Royval on the same bill.\n\nMeanwhile, featherweight Luke Riley brings an unblemished professional record into his contest with Kai Kamaka.\n\nThe presence of three British fighters on such a high-profile card underscores the growing strength of UK talent within the UFC's ranks.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Conor McGregor's UFC return confirmed as MMA star set to fight for first time in five years"
}