Conor McGregor was welcomed back by fans as he ripped Max Holloway’s glasses off in an intense face-off before the pair’s rematch at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday. McGregor, 37, is set to return to the octagon for the first time since breaking his leg in defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021. Despite involvement in a series of controversies since, McGregor was loudly cheered by fans inside the T-Mobile Arena, while American opponent Holloway was booed.
McGregor’s Return and Fan Reception
The intense face-off saw McGregor throw Holloway’s glasses before the pair were separated by security. McGregor then hoisted two commemorative UFC titles draped in Irish colours into the air. These belts symbolised McGregor’s record as the first simultaneous two-weight world champion in UFC history after his featherweight triumph in 2015 and his lightweight victory in 2016. Holloway lost to McGregor by decision in 2013.
McGregor spoke of his excitement, stating: "I’m excited to showcase what human grit, desire and dedication can do." He added: "Despite the odds, we can overcome them, never be a victim of your circumstances, overcome them. I’m going to show the world you too can do the same." His charisma was on show as he sang Oasis’ hit Wonderwall to fans, and he jokingly asked Britain’s Paddy Pimblett why he did not.
Legal and Anti-Doping Controversies
McGregor has been involved in a series of controversies, including court cases and missed drugs tests. Critics have questioned whether he deserves the spotlight.
In November 2024, Nikita Hand, who accused McGregor of raping her, won her claim against him for damages for ‘assault by rape’ in a civil case. A jury found that McGregor assaulted Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018 and he was ordered to pay £206,000 plus damages. McGregor lost his civil jury appeal in July 2025, and Hand announced the following month her intention to sue him and two other people for damages, alleging they engaged in malicious abuse of court processes.
Last year, McGregor also accepted an 18-month ban for violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy after missing three drugs tests within a 12-month period in 2024. The ban, which was backdated to the third missed test in September 2024, concluded in March.
UFC’s Perspective on Drawing Power
Some commentators argue that support for McGregor within Ireland has dwindled. Although fans in Irish colours were present, they were fewer in number and less vocal than at previous news conferences he has conducted.
However, UFC chiefs appear to believe McGregor will still draw eyes to the sport and make the promotion money without affecting the brand. UFC president Dana White, when asked about the size of the fight between McGregor and Holloway, said it would draw, "the biggest gate in UFC history." McGregor is a former two-division champion, having risen to fame with his brash and witty personality captivating fans like no MMA fighter before him.