Conor McGregor is set to step back into the Octagon at UFC 329 on 7 July 2026 in Las Vegas, and veteran Chad Mendes believes a return to peak form is within reach.
How did the talk start?
Mendes, a former UFC contender who faced McGregor 11 years ago, told MMA Junkie he was surprised to see the Irish fighter so close to a bout against Max Holloway. The fight will be streamed on Paramount+ from the T‑Mobile Arena, marking McGregor’s first fight since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, which ended with a broken leg.
Why does Mendes think a comeback is possible?
The former featherweight champion pointed to his own return to combat sports in 2022 via bare‑knuckle boxing as proof that “if you do the right things for enough time, a lot of it comes back.” He noted that age and injury naturally affect speed and reaction, but McGregor’s mental toughness and athletic gifts could offset those declines. Mendes, now 41, said the older a fighter gets, “Father Time takes its toll,” yet added that “it isn’t doable” only if the athlete stays disciplined.
What challenges does McGregor face?
McGregor, 37, has been out of competition for five years and carries the aftermath of a severe leg injury. Critics question whether his timing, power, and cardio will match his 2015‑2020 prime. Mendes also reminded readers of McGregor’s off‑cage issues, including a 2024 Irish jury finding him liable for sexual assault, and a string of legal and personal setbacks that have shadowed his career.
What could UFC 329 mean for McGregor’s legacy?
If McGregor can perform competitively against Holloway, a former two‑division champion, it would reshape narratives that label his comeback as a vanity tour. A solid showing could reignite talk of title contention, while a poor performance might cement the view that his era has ended. Mendes expressed hope that McGregor has “found God” and is turning his life around, suggesting personal redemption could parallel any athletic resurgence.
What’s next after UFC 329?
The outcome on 7 July will dictate McGregor’s next steps. A win could set up a high‑profile bout with a top‑ranked featherweight or a return to lightweight contention. A loss would likely push him toward retirement or exhibition fights. Regardless, Mendes believes the fight will be “exciting” and that fans should watch to see whether the Notorious can still deliver the fireworks that made him a global star.
How does this fit into the broader UFC landscape?
UFC 329 is already stacked with several title fights, but McGregor’s presence adds a massive media draw. The event could boost pay‑per‑view numbers and influence matchmaking decisions for the rest of the year. Promoters will watch closely to gauge fan reaction and McGregor’s marketability after a long hiatus.
The fight is scheduled for 7 July 2026 at T‑Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, and will be available on Paramount+. All eyes will be on whether McGregor can defy age and injury to reclaim a spot among the sport’s elite.