Conor McGregor's UFC Return Sparks Controversy and Anticipation Conor McGregor, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, is set to make his long-awaited return to the octagon after a five-year hiatus. His upcoming fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Sunday has generated significant buzz, but it also raises questions about his legacy, controversies, and whether he still deserves the spotlight. The bout, headlining the UFC's International Fight Week card, underscores the promotion's belief in McGregor's ability to draw audiences and generate revenue, despite his turbulent career. McGregor's last victory came in 2020 when he defeated Donald Cerrone, and since then, his record has been marred by setbacks. A career-threatening leg injury in 2020 forced him to take a break, during which he faced legal and personal challenges. The Irishman, now 37, has been absent from the UFC roster for nearly five years, but his return is framed as a redemption arc. However, his history of controversy has cast a shadow over the event. McGregor's career has been defined by both triumphs and scandals. He was the UFC's first two-weight world champion, capturing titles in both featherweight and lightweight divisions. His charismatic personality and flamboyant style made him a global icon, but his off-the-cuff behavior and legal troubles have often overshadowed his achievements. One of the most significant controversies involves a civil case against Nikita Hand, who accused him of sexual assault in 2018. A jury found in Hand's favor in November 2024, awarding her £206,000 in damages. McGregor lost his appeal in July 2025, and Hand announced plans to sue him and two others for malicious abuse of court processes.#las_vegas #dana_white #conor_mcgregor #max_holloway #ufc_329
UFC 329: Despite Point Deduction, Wang Cong Still Takes Decision Against Tracy Cortez The flyweight division saw a dramatic showdown at UFC 329 on Saturday as China’s Wang Cong secured a unanimous decision victory over Tracy Cortez in the preliminary card. The bout, the sole women’s fight on the Las Vegas event’s schedule, highlighted a grueling battle marked by tactical aggression, injury challenges, and a controversial foul that ultimately failed to sway the outcome. Wang Cong, riding a three-fight win streak, began the contest with a methodical approach, landing leg kicks that quickly disrupted Cortez’s balance. By the 90-second mark of the first round, Cong had taken Cortez off her feet, though the American fighter managed to regain her footing. Despite being cautious of Cong’s relentless kicking attacks, Cortez struggled to counter effectively, with her calf showing visible signs of swelling and redness by the round’s end. The fighters ended the first round tied up against the fence, setting the stage for a high-stakes second round. The second round unfolded with increased intensity as Cortez’s lead leg appeared compromised from the earlier kicking onslaught. Cong capitalized on Cortez’s vulnerability, landing a series of powerful strikes, including an illegal knee that left Tracy slumped against the fence. The referee intervened, awarding a point deduction for the foul, but the bout continued as Cortez, though visibly hurt, refused to tap out. Despite the setback, Cong’s dominance in the standup remained evident, with Cortez unable to land a decisive blow despite moments of close-range exchanges. Between rounds, Cortez’s corner team urged her to take the fight to the ground, a strategy that had previously yielded success against Cong.#las_vegas #ufc_329 #wang_cong #tracy_cortez #valentina_shevchenko
Conor McGregor's Return to UFC: Controversies and a Fiery Face-Off with Max Holloway Conor McGregor, the Irish mixed martial arts icon, made a dramatic return to the octagon at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, where he engaged in a heated face-off with former rival Max Holloway before their rematch. The event marked McGregor’s first appearance since a leg injury forced his retirement in 2021, sparking debates about his readiness to compete and the controversies that have shadowed his career. The encounter, which included McGregor ripping Holloway’s glasses off and hoisting two UFC titles into the air, underscored the intense rivalry between the two fighters and the polarized reactions from fans. McGregor, 37, had been absent from the sport for nearly three years, during which he faced a string of legal and disciplinary issues. A civil case against him for alleged rape in 2018 concluded in November 2024, with a jury awarding Nikita Hand £206,000 in damages. McGregor lost his appeal in July 2025, and Hand announced plans to sue him and two others for malicious abuse of court processes. Additionally, McGregor received an 18-month doping ban in 2024 after missing three drug tests, a penalty that was backdated to September 2024 and concluded in March 2025. These incidents have raised questions about his fitness to compete at the highest level. Despite the controversies, McGregor’s return was met with enthusiastic support from fans, who cheered him inside the T-Mobile Arena. Holloway, who lost to McGregor in 2013, faced boos from the crowd, reflecting the lingering animosity between the fighters. The face-off before the bout escalated when McGregor threw Holloway’s glasses, prompting security to intervene.#t_mobile_arena #dana_white #conor_mcgregor #max_holloway #ufc_329
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2 at UFC 329: All you need to know Conor McGregor returns to the Octagon for the first time in five years as he faces Max Holloway in a five-round welterweight main event at UFC 329. The fight takes place on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, closing out International Fight Week. McGregor, 37, has not competed since sustaining a broken tibia against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His absence from the Octagon has been marked by personal and physical challenges, including a toe injury that delayed his return to the UFC. McGregor, a former two-division champion at featherweight and lightweight, was originally scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024. However, the match was postponed due to his toe injury and never rescheduled. This rematch against Holloway represents his first attempt to reestablish himself as a title contender in the welterweight division, where he has not competed since 2017. Holloway, 34, is making his official welterweight debut after a decade-long career at 145 and 155 pounds. The fight is a rematch of their 2013 bout at UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston, where McGregor defeated Holloway via unanimous decision. The first encounter was a significant moment in McGregor’s early UFC career, though it also highlighted the physical toll of his aggressive style. McGregor suffered an ACL injury during the fight, requiring surgery that kept him out of action for 11 months. This time, both fighters have evolved significantly, with Holloway transitioning to a higher weight class and McGregor seeking to prove his longevity in a new division. McGregor’s return to welterweight marks his first such attempt in six years.#t_mobile_arena #las_vegas #conor_mcgregor #max_holloway #ufc_329
