Conor McGregor, Max Holloway's Next Best Fights After UFC 329 Results

Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the Octagon was spoiled by a leg injury in the opening moments, handing Max Holloway a first-round TKO victory in the UFC 329 main event.

It was Blessed's first win at 170 pounds after moving up to welterweight to take the big money fight. What happens next for the 34-year-old just became one of the hottest questions in MMA.

The fan favorite could stay in the new weight class. He's won the title at 145 pounds, won BMF title fights at lightweight and now has a win at 170.

However, the answer for what's next probably revolves around what opponents are available rather than weight class.

The spotlight won't just fade from McGregor either. The 37-year-old was willing to come back to the cage after five years away. There will certainly be more money to be made if he is willing to make that walk again.

Let's take a look at the best options for both fighters.

Holloway's Best Next Fights

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• Justin Gaethje
• Charles Oliveira
• Carlos Prates

Holloway not only got the payday of fighting Conor McGregor, but he also got the attention that comes with it. Holloway called for a trilogy fight, but waiting for McGregor to recover is likely not the answer.

That could come in the form of two rematches that could see a belt around Holloway's waist.

The obvious one would be Justin Gaethje. Holloway beat The Highlight with a buzzer-beater knockout in the fifth round of their UFC 300 match to win the BMF title. Gaethje's shocking upset win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 has set up a chance for Blessed to finally win the lightweight belt.

A rematch between the two fan favorites would do big business and give Holloway one last shot at winning the lightweight title.

If UFC has other plans, Holloway could seek the BMF belt and revenge against Charles Oliveira. The Brazilian beat Holloway by unanimous decision for the BMF belt in March, but his win here could give him leverage to run it back.

Of course, there's a chance that Holloway likes fighting at 170 pounds enough to stick in the division. Carlos Prates is one of the top welterweights in the world right now, but his willingness to strike and lack of defense make him an ideal opponent for Holloway in the division.

A win over Prates would set him up to take on the winner of August 15th's matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry for the title.

McGregor's Best Next Fights

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• Michael Chandler
• Nate Diaz
• Jake Paul (in boxing)

McGregor's return to UFC was great for buzz, but it also reminded us that his days of contending at the elite level are over. If he couldn't come back and beat Max Holloway at 170 pounds, it's hard to believe he can win a championship.

Still, there's bound to be a market for his fights and few things sell better than settling old scores. The rivalry between McGregor and Chandler never came to fruition in the cage.

With Chandler on a four-fight losing streak, there isn't much left for him to do in UFC. Chandler vs. McGregor is one of the few fights between fighters with no momentum that would still be a huge event.

There's also the possibility that McGregor once again looks outside of UFC for his fighting opportunities. Nate Diaz has a history with McGregor. They are tied up at one apiece after two bouts. A trilogy in UFC, MVP MMA or boxing would be a big deal.

McGregor has mentioned another boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. A bout against crossover boxing star Jake Paul would actually be more intriguing. Paul hasn't boxed since losing to Anthony Joshua in December 2025.