Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC comeback is finally here, with the Irish superstar set to face Max Holloway in a rematch 13 years in the making.
It will be McGregor’s first fight in nearly five years after a gruesome broken leg ended his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in 2021.
UFC 329: McGregor v Holloway 2 | SUN 12 JULY 11AM AEST | Conor McGregor is back. The Irish superstar takes on the always dangerous Max Holloway in a rematch 13 years in the making | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
The ‘Notorious’ remains the UFC’s biggest box-office attraction, with his rematch on July 12 at UFC 329 expected to break the promotion’s all-time gate record of $21.8 million.
McGregor outpointed Holloway in their first fight and has vowed to knock him out this time around.
Aussie former middleweight champ Rob Whittaker will also feature on the stacked card, making his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch.
HOW TO WATCH MCGREGOR VS HOLLOWAY?
Aussie fight fans can catch all the action for UFC 329 LIVE on Main Event via Kayo.
Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.
Fox Sports Australia will also be running a live blog of the event.
WHEN IS IT?
UFC 329 takes place on Sunday 12 July (Australian time) in Las Vegas.
The main card starts at 11am AEST.
MAIN CARD
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2 (welterweight)
Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint-Denis (lightweight)
Cory Sandhagen vs Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
Brandon Royval vs Lone’er Kavanagh (flyweight)
King Green vs. Terrance McKinney (lightweight)
PRELIMS
Robert Whittaker vs Nikita Krylov (light-heavyweight)
Gable Steveson vs Elisha Ellison (heavyweight)
Cody Garbrandt vs Adrian Yanez (bantamweight)
Luke Riley vs Kai Kamaka III (featherweight)
Tracy Cortez vs Wang Cong (women’s flyweight)
Damian Pinas vs Cesar Almeida (middleweight)
Ryan Gandra vs Zachary Reese (middleweight)
Alessandro Costa vs Cody Durden (flyweight)
WHAT ABOUT THE CO-MAIN?
UK star Paddy Pimblett will make his return to the Octagon at UFC 329, looking to bounce back from the first defeat of his UFC career against France’s Benoit Saint Denis.
Pimblett fell short in his bid to capture the interim lightweight title in January, suffering a brutal loss to Justin Gaethje in the UFC 324 main event.
Gaethje has since cemented his status as the division’s top man by upsetting Ilia Topuria to claim the undisputed lightweight championship.
A win over BSD would put Pimblett straight back into the lightweight title picture, but he faces a gargantuan test against one of the division’s most dangerous men.
Saint Denis comes into UFC 329 on a four-fight winning streak after knocking out Dan Hooker in his most recent appearance.
Ranked above “The Baddy” at 155 pounds, the French former special forces soldier also knows a win could leave him close to a title shot.
WHO IS ROB WHITTAKER FIGHTING?
For the first time in 13 years, “Bobby Knuckles” will find himself on the prelim card when he takes on Nikita Krylov.
The Aussie has not fought since his clash against Reinier de Ridder and is stepping up in weight to chase a title at 205 pounds.
A win in his new division would end any doubt about his form and open the door to showdowns with the best fighters at light heavyweight.
Whittaker has spoken about testing himself against bigger and more dangerous opponents, and Krylov presents that challenge.
The 6’3” Ukrainian is known for his aggressive finishes and has extensive experience against some of the division’s biggest names.
Whittaker is currently a slight betting underdog in this one.
READ MORE:
‘Love to punch him in the face’: How Conor comeback could lead to ‘biggest fight you could make’
‘I got lost in it’: McGregor’s brutally honest UFC reveal… and how $100m coup sparked his spiral
WHO IS GABLE STEVESON?
Gable Steveson is an Olympic wrestling gold medallist who many are tipping to become the UFC’s next heavyweight champ.
The American trains alongside UFC legend Jon Jones and will make his debut against Elisha Ellison on the prelims of the McGregor–Holloway card.
“I do believe that with my wrestling skills and me putting on some striking skills, I can be the champion in less than 18 months,” Steveson told media earlier this year.
“I can go out there and dominate my way through the heavyweight field.”
The phenom is a massive betting favourite to make a winning start to his UFC career.
BETTING ODDS FOR FEATURES (via TAB)
McGregor $2.92 to win, $4.00 to win via KO/TKO, $11.00 via decision, $23.00 via submission
Holloway $1.39 to win, $1.91 to win via KO/TKO, $6.50 via decision, $12.50 via submission
Wild fight stuns after controversial end | 02:48
PREDICTIONS
Nick Walshaw: Holloway R3 KO
While Conor McGregor may be the greatest star to ever grace the UFC, and for a time combat sports more generally, it has now been almost five years since his last fight and over six years since his last win — against Cowboy Cerrone. Expect Holloway to be cautious against the Irishman early before, eventually, overwhelming him with punches in bunches.
James Cooney: Holloway R3 KO
There are still too many question marks surrounding McGregor, so I’m backing Holloway to outlast him and get the finish.
The opening round could be tricky for Max, but I expect him to take control as the fight wears on and force a stoppage once McGregor begins to fade. It will be fun, though.