Max Holloway or Jorge Masvidal: Who Will Be Conor McGregor's Opponent for His UFC Return?

Introduction

Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the UFC is reportedly set for International Fight Week in July. While a definitive opponent remains unconfirmed, Max Holloway appears to be the frontrunner over Jorge Masvidal to welcome the Irish superstar back to the Octagon.

McGregor's Comeback Status

The UFC is reportedly targeting July 11th in Las Vegas, likely coinciding with International Fight Week, for McGregor's first fight since his severe leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Journalist Ariel Helwani has corroborated this timeline, and McGregor himself has hinted on social media that negotiations are progressing favorably. With the date window seemingly established, attention now shifts squarely to who will stand opposite him.

Max Holloway as the Leading Candidate

Multiple sources indicate that former featherweight champion Max Holloway is currently the top contender to face McGregor in July. Helwani specifically named Holloway as "the frontrunner," suggesting that Jorge Masvidal is no longer considered the primary option.

UFC commentator Jon Anik echoed this sentiment, calling a McGregor vs. Holloway bout "about as big a fight as you can make" for McGregor when considering opponents from the blue corner. Holloway has openly expressed his desire for the fight, stating he'd compete at any weight. This aligns perfectly with the UFC's preference for high-action, striking-heavy matchups that are proven pay-per-view draws.

Holloway's recent form and relentless striking volume would serve as a significant test of McGregor's current competitive standing after a prolonged absence. Holloway most recently secured the BMF title by defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 and remains one of the most active elite fighters across the lightweight and featherweight divisions.

A rematch between McGregor and Holloway also carries a compelling narrative, stemming from their 2013 featherweight encounter where a young Holloway pushed McGregor the distance. Both fighters subsequently went on to claim UFC championships in different weight classes. From a purely athletic perspective, Holloway offers a high-output, durable striker capable of challenging McGregor's cardio and timing over five rounds, typically keeping the fight in the center of the cage.

Jorge Masvidal's Position

Jorge Masvidal presents a different dynamic. While still a massive name with a storied career, he is widely perceived to be in the twilight phase of his fighting career. The original BMF champion hasn't competed in the UFC since his decision loss to Colby Covington at UFC 272 in 2022, though he has been teasing a return.

Masvidal recently disclosed that he declined an offer to fight on a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)/Netflix card, stating that the UFC had assured him of a "good plan" for his return. This suggests that the UFC has indeed considered him for a significant comeback fight. Stylistically, a Masvidal vs. McGregor fight would be an entertaining striking contest, heavily relying on the fighters' established name value and personalities rather than current rankings or recent form.

Conclusion

From a competitive standpoint and considering current relevance, Max Holloway appears to be the superior choice for McGregor's return. He is active, recently held a prestigious title, and provides an opportunity to revisit their past encounter while offering McGregor a high-caliber, striking-focused opponent still at the peak of his divisions.

While Jorge Masvidal remains a significant star, and his decision to prioritize the UFC over other opportunities hints at potential major plans, his extended layoff and recent losing streak would likely make a fight against McGregor more of a spectacle than a definitive test of McGregor's standing in today's UFC landscape.