Max Holloway reveals plans for a trilogy with Conor McGregor and confirms his return to the UFC in 2027.

Max Holloway focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC

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After defeating Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC 329 , held last Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA), Max Holloway did not rule out a third fight against the Irishman. Although he projects a return to the octagon only in 2027, the former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) stated that he intends to follow the recovery of his rival, who suffered a serious knee injury, and left open the possibility of a trilogy in the future.

The Hawaiian explained that, before thinking about his next fight, he wants to monitor McGregor's recovery, who suffered a serious injury in the opening minutes of the fight and left the octagon hurt. Holloway stated that he intends to take some time away from the octagon before resuming high-level training.

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“I want to see how his injury is. I’m ready to come back in 2027. I know I came out unscathed, but I owe my family some time. You’ll see Blessed return in 2027,” the Hawaiian declared during the post- UFC 329 press conference.

'The Blessed One' made it clear that he's in no hurry to return to the octagon. At 34 years old, the former champion stated that he intends to use his time off to recover physically and mentally, prioritizing his family before starting a new training regimen. The expectation is that the Hawaiian will only return to competition in 2027, possibly among the top names in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).

Conor McGregor's injury

ALL ANGLES In depth look at how Conor McGregor injured his leg 👀 #UFC329 pic.twitter.com/x5Xc6FMGer

— Mcgregor Forever (@mcgregorufc22) July 12, 2026

UFC 329 results

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Max Holloway defeated Conor McGregor by technical knockout (knee injury) at 1:09 of round 1.

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Paddy Pimblett defeated Benoit Saint Denis by submission (choke) at 0:52 of round 1.

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Mario Bautista defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Brandon Royval defeated Lone'er Kavanagh by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:50 of round 3.

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): King Green defeated Terrance McKinney by technical knockout (punches) at 4:59 of round 1.

PRELIMINARY CARD

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Robert Whittaker defeated Nikita Krylov by technical knockout (jaw injury) at 1:01 of round 3.

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Gable Stevenson defeated Elisha Ellison by technical knockout (punches and knees) at 2:30 of round 1.

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Adrian Yanez defeated Cody Garbrandt by technical knockout (punches) at 2:47 of round 1.

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Luke Riley defeated Kai Kamaka III by technical knockout (punches) at 3:02 of round 1.

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Wang Cong defeated Tracy Cortez by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Damian Pinas defeated Cesar Almeida by knockout (punches) at 4:44 of round 1.

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Farid Basharat defeated John Garza by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra defeated Zachary Reese by technical knockout (punches) at 1:15 of round 1.

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alessandro Costa defeated Cody Durden by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:19.

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