Conor McGregor already has next fight date set as UFC return nears

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Conor McGregor already has next fight date set as UFC return nears

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jun 16, 2026 8:37 PM ET

LAS VEGAS — After five years away from competition, Conor McGregor is finally preparing for his long-awaited return to the UFC. But according to “The Notorious” himself, his comeback won’t be a one-fight farewell.

McGregor revealed this week that he already has a second fight date secured following his showdown with Max Holloway at UFC 329, signaling that the former two-division champion intends to remain active as he closes out his current UFC contract.

McGregor is scheduled to headline UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas against former featherweight champion Holloway.

The bout will mark McGregor’s first appearance inside the Octagon since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021 and his first completed training camp in years.

While many fans have questioned whether the Irish superstar would ever compete again, McGregor insists he feels healthy, motivated, and eager to return. “This is a martial arts delight,” McGregor said. “This is a fan-favorite, iconic bout.”

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Conor McGregor says the UFC already gave him the date for his next fight after the Max Holloway fight, and it’s in April 2027
Image | Source: Dice City Sports

“It’s almost a year later! That’s ridiculous to me. This is the way the contract was done.”

(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/6pdcDmJzy9

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 16, 2026

One fight left on current UFC deal

Via Yahoo Sports, McGregor disclosed that he currently has two fight dates locked into his contract. The first is UFC 329 in July.

The second, according to McGregor, is scheduled for April 2027. That timeline doesn’t sit well with him. “Right now, I am contracted, and I have both dates,” McGregor said. “I have July 11. When would you think they would put me back in? April 2027. It’s almost a year later. That’s ridiculous to me.”

McGregor suggested the lengthy gap wasn’t his preference but rather a result of how the agreement was structured. Rather than waiting until 2027, McGregor hopes to fight again before the end of this year.

The former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion said he doesn’t particularly care who the opponent is, as long as he stays active. “I don’t care who the opponent is,” McGregor explained. “Give it to me at the end of the year. July, end of year. Boom. Let’s go to a new deal.”

Known for his ambitious mindset, McGregor even joked about wanting to fight far more frequently than modern UFC schedules allow. “I want to get going here,” McGregor said. “I fancy my ability to do it.”

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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