Conor McGregor Says He's 'Better Than Ever' Ahead of Max Holloway Fight at UFC 329

Although he hasn't fought in nearly five years, Conor McGregor feels good about where he is ahead of his upcoming return to the UFC Octagon.

Following the announcement last week that he will face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, McGregor took to Instagram on Wednesday to provide an update on his preparations and his current state:

"Thank you for all the love, support, and encouragement over the last few days, people," McGregor wrote. "I am feeling very energized entering intense training camp because of it!

"I am very grateful for the team I have around me. My coaches and training partners, we are all fully tuned in for the challenge at hand and it is a glorious time in our gym! ... I am better than ever, and I relish the opportunity to once again show my mastery in martial arts to the world."

McGregor was once the biggest star and draw in all of MMA, and there was a time when an argument could be made that he was the best pound-for-pound fighter in UFC as well.

The Irishman started his career 21-3, and he had reigns as the UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, beating the likes of Holloway, Dustin Poirier, José Aldo and Nate Diaz along the way.

McGregor's fortunes started to change at UFC 229 in 2018 when he suffered a submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

That started a run that saw McGregor lose three out of four fights, with his only win coming over Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in 2020.

McGregor's two most recent bouts were losses to Poirier in 2021, and during the second defeat, he suffered a broken leg, which contributed to his lengthy absence.

There is no telling how the 37-year-old McGregor will perform in July after such a lengthy absence, especially against Holloway, who has won four of his past six fights, including victories over Justin Gaethje in 2024 and Poirier last year.