UFC 329 roundtable: Has the MMA world passed Conor McGregor by?

Key Points:

• Conor McGregor returns to the UFC octagon at UFC 329 after a five-year hiatus, facing Max Holloway in what could be the final chapter of his fighting career; expectations for McGregor are low due to his age, past injuries, and recent inactivity, with success defined mainly as being competitive and avoiding serious damage.
• Max Holloway faces significant stakes, as a loss to McGregor could signal a decline in his career and potentially hasten retirement, especially following a recent tough defeat; Holloway is favored but must guard against McGregor’s knockout power.
• Analysts highlight the importance of McGregor’s performance to maintain viability for lucrative superfights outside the UFC, while Holloway aims to solidify his status amidst a challenging lightweight division.
• Beyond the main event, key fights to watch include Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson’s heavyweight bout, which could inject excitement into a struggling division, and the co-main event between Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett, a matchup with high intrigue given Pimblett’s recent growth and vulnerabilities.
• The UFC 329 card is praised for its overall quality, with several compelling matchups across the main and undercard bouts, making it a significant event as the UFC moves into the second half of 2026.