McGregor seeks Holloway rematch for UFC International Fight Week 2027
Conor McGregor called for a third UFC fight with Max Holloway after a knee injury ended their July bout in 69 seconds.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Conor McGregor is pushing for a McGregor Holloway rematch in 2027, Reuters reported, after his latest meeting with Max Holloway ended quickly because of a knee injury. The proposed fight would be their third UFC bout and, according to Reuters, would serve as the last fight on McGregor’s UFC contract.
McGregor made the call Monday on Instagram, pointing to UFC International Fight Week next July. He wrote: “What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset. IFW 2027. The Last Dance.”
Reuters reported that McGregor’s post followed his July 11 loss to Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. Holloway, whose record is 28-9, won the welterweight fight by technical knockout after McGregor, 22-7, injured his right knee on an early kick.
When would McGregor fight Holloway again?
McGregor’s preferred timing is UFC International Fight Week in July 2027, based on his Instagram post cited by Reuters. UFC International Fight Week is the July event window McGregor referenced as “IFW 2027.”
The long wait is tied to McGregor’s injury. Reuters reported that the 38-year-old Irish fighter is expected to undergo surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
UFC president Dana White also pointed to a lengthy absence. Speaking Sunday, White said, “Conor McGregor’s out for a year,” according to Reuters.
How did the July fight end?
The July 11 fight at UFC 329 lasted 69 seconds, Reuters reported. Holloway stopped McGregor by technical knockout after McGregor hurt his right knee in the opening exchanges at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
McGregor later posted an Instagram video showing himself doing leg exercises, Reuters reported. The clip came as he publicly called for the Holloway fight to be run back in 2027.
The injury cut short McGregor’s first Octagon appearance in five years. Reuters reported that his previous UFC fight was a technical knockout loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in Las Vegas.
What is the history between McGregor and Holloway?
McGregor and Holloway have fought twice in the UFC. Their first bout came in August 2013, when McGregor won by unanimous decision, according to Reuters.
Holloway evened the head-to-head series this month with the quick stoppage at UFC 329. If the 2027 plan happens, the next fight would settle the trilogy between two of the sport’s best-known names.
Reuters reported that McGregor has now lost his past three fights and four of his past five. Holloway, a 34-year-old from Honolulu, had lost a unanimous decision to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March in Las Vegas before beating McGregor in July.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.