The mixed martial arts community is in an uproar following UFC President Dana White’s official announcement of Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated comeback fight. The Irishman is set to return to the octagon on July 11th, during International Fight Week, in the main event of UFC 329. He will face Max Holloway in a rematch, a five-round welterweight bout, marking McGregor’s debut in the 170-pound division.
The news has generated a significant reaction from fellow fighters and personalities within the MMA sphere. Dillon Danis, a close friend and training partner of McGregor, expressed his excitement with a post on X, stating, “The return of the motherfu*king Mac. Let’s fucking go, my brother!” Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley echoed the sentiment, declaring, “The MAC IS BACK BABY !!!”
Not everyone is as enthusiastic. Belal Muhammad offered a critical take, suggesting, “Max bout to do him worse than Jake Gyllenhaal.” Aiemann Zahabi congratulated Holloway, calling it a “great match-up for you.” Merab Dvalishvili simply reacted with a fire emoji, indicating his approval.
McGregor’s mother, Dee McGregor, shared her pride with a crown and heart emoji. David Feldman also chimed in with “LFG my man!” The MMA Guru exclaimed on X, “HOLY FU*KING SH*T CONOR MCGREGOR IS BACK IT’S MCGREGOR VS HOLLOWAY 2 IT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING THIS IS INSANE!” Aaron Pico and Nina Marie Daniele also expressed their excitement with a series of fire emojis and “The King is Back!!!!” respectively.
Other notable reactions included Nate Diaz stating, “That’s a good fight. It’s about time. Shouldn’t they have fought a long time ago?” Francis Ngannou, whose walkout coincided with the announcement, seemed unfazed, commenting, “What the f*ck do I have to do with that? I should stop my walkout? I don’t care bro.” Jake Paul, however, was critical, referring to McGregor as “The Coke head is back” and suggesting the UFC was “piggybacking off our event.” Ariel Helwani, who had predicted the fight, simply tweeted, “I’ll wait for everyone’s apology.” McGregor himself responded to Paul’s comment, stating, “I’m gonna son you, child. Again.”
