- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Photo: U.S. Secretary of Defense via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Team logos via ESPN.
Conor McGregor wants Max Holloway next, and he is not interested in hearing from anyone else.
The Irish star is recovering from knee surgery after his July rematch with Holloway ended seconds into the fight. McGregor blew out his knee on his first kick, and the bout was stopped. He now plans to return in 2027, though he hinted it could come sooner if his recovery goes well.
"It has to be Holloway," McGregor said at the BKFC Glasgow post-fight press conference. He criticized Holloway for calling for the stoppage and wants to run it back.
McGregor is set to fight out the final bout on his UFC deal before hitting free agency. If Holloway is unavailable, McGregor will only accept a world champion-caliber opponent. He issued a profane warning to lower-level fighters not to mention his name.
Holloway has said he is open to the rematch, pending timing.
Mickey's Angle: McGregor's drawing power means the UFC will want this Holloway rematch booked, but bettors should wait for an official date before making any plans—knee recoveries are unpredictable.
Source: MMA Fighting (also reported by ESPN) - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.