Max Holloway or Jorge Masvidal: Who Should Welcome Conor McGregor Back?

Conor McGregor's highly anticipated UFC return is scheduled for International Fight Week in July. Currently, Max Holloway appears to be the more likely opponent compared to Jorge Masvidal.

Conor McGregor's Imminent Return

The UFC is reportedly targeting July 11 in Las Vegas, likely during International Fight Week, for McGregor's comeback fight. This marks his first appearance since suffering a severe leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Reports from Ariel Helwani confirm this timeline, and McGregor himself has hinted on social media that negotiations are progressing positively. With a date window established, the primary question now centers on who will stand across from him in the octagon.

Holloway as the Frontrunner

Multiple sources, including Ariel Helwani and UFC commentator Jon Anik, identify former featherweight champion Max Holloway as the leading candidate to face McGregor on that July card. Anik notably described McGregor vs. Holloway as "about as big a fight as you can make" for the Irishman. Holloway has publicly expressed his desire for the bout, even stating his willingness to fight at any weight, aligning with the UFC's preference for striking-heavy matchups that generate high pay-per-view sales.

Holloway brings impressive recent form and high-volume striking, which would be a significant test for McGregor after his extended layoff. He recently held the symbolic BMF title before losing it to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 and remains one of the most active elite fighters across the lightweight and featherweight divisions. A potential rematch also offers a compelling narrative, stemming from their 2013 encounter where a young Holloway went the distance with McGregor before both went on to win UFC gold. From a competitive standpoint, Holloway is a high-output, durable striker capable of pushing McGregor's cardio and timing over five rounds while maintaining a central octagon presence.

Masvidal's Argument and the MVP Offer

Jorge Masvidal presents a different scenario: a huge name with a significant history, but seemingly in the twilight of his career. The former BMF champion hasn't competed in the UFC since his decision loss to Colby Covington at UFC 272 in 2022, yet he has been hinting at a return. He recently revealed turning down an offer to fight on a Most Valuable Promotions/Netflix card, stating that the UFC had informed him of "a good plan" for his return, which he intends to pursue. This explains his decision and suggests the UFC has indeed discussed a high-profile comeback for him. Stylistically, Masvidal vs. McGregor would be a fan-friendly striking affair, relying more on name recognition and personality than current rankings.

Conclusion

From a purely sporting and relevance perspective, Holloway appears to be the superior choice for McGregor's comeback. He is active, recently held the BMF belt, and offers an opportunity to resolve lingering questions from their initial fight, pitting McGregor against a high-level, striking-focused opponent who remains at the top of his respective divisions.

Masvidal undoubtedly remains a major star, and his decision to align with the UFC over the MVP/Netflix opportunity hints at future plans. However, his extended layoff and recent losing streak make a potential matchup feel more like a spectacle than a genuine test of McGregor's current competitive standing.