Conor McGregor steps into the octagon for the first time in five years this Saturday when he faces Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout marks a significant return for the former two-division champion, who has not competed since his trilogies with Dustin Poirier in 2021 left him with a broken tibia and fibula, ending his competitive streak and beginning a long layoff.

McGregor’s Welterweight Future

McGregor has held titles at 155 and 145 pounds, but according to his coach, John Kavanagh, the 37-year-old has no plans to return to those divisions. Kavanagh emphasized that 170 pounds is now a “comfortable cut” for McGregor, and he has the strength and reach to compete effectively in the welterweight division.

“You’re going to have to do something really big to get Conor at 155 again,” Kavanagh told Mixed Martial Arts. “170 is a comfortable cut for him now and he’s got the frame for it. He certainly has the strength for it. He’s always had that orangutan reach.”

McGregor’s Legacy and Rivalries

Ahead of UFC 329, McGregor reignited his rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov, whom he defeated in 2013 before losing to him in 2018. McGregor dismissed Nurmagomedov’s record, claiming the Russian had “done nothing” in the sport and lacked courage by never fighting above his division.

McGregor also placed himself ahead of Jon Jones, stating he could beat the former two-time UFC champion and criticizing his boxing skills. “Jon looks very soft there. Where’s he now? Here I am still,” McGregor said in an interview with Complex. He also omitted Georges St-Pierre from his list of top UFC fighters, claiming the Canadian had no risk in his career.

Historical Context and UFC Evolution

McGregor’s return comes at a time when the UFC has undergone a generational shift. Once the face of a significant era in MMA, McGregor now faces a new wave of champions such as Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev, and Alex Pereira. The new generation has reshaped the competitive field, with many of the previous stars, like Dominick Cruz and Tyron Woodley, now outside the spotlight.

Woodley, for instance, once dominated the welterweight division but saw his UFC career decline after a series of losses. He found a second career in boxing, facing Jake Paul in two high-profile but media-driven bouts.

McGregor, who has lost three of his last four fights, sees this rematch with Holloway as a chance to reaffirm his legacy. He believes a win would solidify his status as the greatest featherweight in UFC history. The fight will be broadcast starting at 4 p.m. Pacific Time on Paramount+.