TLDR
- Max Holloway believes UFC 329 will be bigger than the White House card that drew 34 million viewers
- Conor McGregor returns after five years away from the UFC following a broken leg in 2021
- UFC 329 ticket sales sold out instantly with resale prices reaching $24,600 for premium seats
- The event is expected to generate a $30 million gate, breaking the UFC’s $22 million record
- McGregor faces declining support in Ireland following recent legal troubles and controversies
Sources: nyfights.com | yardbarker.com | foxsports.com.au
Max Holloway says his rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 329 this Saturday is the real event of 2026, not the UFC’s White House show from June. The fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas marks McGregor’s first appearance in the cage in five years.
“This is an opportunity to prove people wrong, I have a big chance, I have a lot of eyes on me, I think this is the event of the year right now,” Holloway told the New York Post. “People might call me biased cause the White House card happened but when you’ve got Conor McGregor in the mix, it’s always a good time.”
The White House card Holloway mentioned is UFC Freedom 250, which took place on June 14 at the White House South Lawn. That event drew 34 million viewers worldwide and generated 126 billion social media views during fight week.
Conor McGregor wants to get back to fighting multiple times a year in the UFC 👀
"I plan on getting busy here. As you know, two fights left on the contract. I hope to keep going, and I'm optimistic that will be the case."
McGregor is so excited for the match 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UMuKgwP1tq
— McGregor News (@mcgregormma11) July 8, 2026
McGregor’s Return After Five Years Away
McGregor last fought in 2021 when he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The injury was severe enough that doctors initially worried he might have a permanent limp.
The 37-year-old Irishman has only one win since 2017. His last victory came in January 2020.
Saturday’s fight is a rematch from 2013 when McGregor defeated Holloway by decision. This time they will compete at 170 pounds instead of their previous featherweight bout.
UFC CEO Dana White expects UFC 329 to break the promotion’s live gate record of roughly $22 million set at UFC 306 at the Sphere in September 2024. Former UFC Chief Financial Officer Nakisa Bidarian predicts the gate could reach $30 million and that McGregor could earn at least $60 million from the fight.
Tickets for UFC 329 sold out instantly when they went on sale in late May. Resale tickets on secondary markets now cost a minimum of $1,800 before taxes and fees for seats in the last row of the arena.
Premium resale tickets are priced as high as $24,600. VIP packages from the UFC cost between $8,000 and $13,500.
Public Opinion Shifts in Ireland
McGregor’s popularity in his home country has declined in recent years. A sign appeared this week in Derry, Ireland, showing Holloway draped in an Irish flag with the words “Do Us Proud” beneath it.
Irish fight writer Petesy Carroll said on Submission Radio that many Irish people now have “a lot of disdain” for McGregor. Carroll previously worked closely with McGregor but no longer speaks with him.
In 2022, a jury found McGregor liable for the 2018 sexual assault of Nikita Hand in a civil case. He has also faced headlines involving driving violations, addiction issues, and public altercations.
Holloway responded to the Derry sign on ESPN, saying he retweeted it and believes he has support from Ireland. “A lot of Ireland fans feel that way,” Holloway said.
Despite the controversies, McGregor remains the most recognized fighter in UFC history. He holds a 22-6 MMA record overall and went 10-4 in the UFC.
McGregor and King Green Get Special Venum Shorts for UFC 329 Showdown
Holloway enters the rematch with a 27-9 MMA record and 23-9 UFC record. A victory over McGregor at 170 pounds would put him in position to compete for titles at lightweight or welterweight.
The UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House generated zero revenue from ticket sales because all seats were given away free. About 1,200 seats went to active military members, while the rest were distributed by the White House, TKO Group, and the UFC.
The UFC spent approximately $60 million on the White House event and recouped about $30 million through sponsorships. UFC 329 is projected to generate far more revenue through ticket sales and pay-per-view purchases.
