TLDR
- Conor McGregor has not appeared in the first two episodes of UFC 329 Embedded series, raising fan concerns
- McGregor is scheduled to fight Max Holloway on July 11 in Las Vegas after a five-year layoff
- The fighter posted training photos to Instagram as fight week begins
- UFC has backup fighter Mauricio Ruffy ready in case McGregor withdraws
- McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021
Sources: mmamania.com | si.com | mmasucka.com
Conor McGregor has been noticeably absent from the first two episodes of UFC’s popular Embedded video series leading up to UFC 329. Fans on social media and YouTube have started questioning whether the former two-division champion will actually show up for his scheduled rematch against Max Holloway on July 11.
The fight is set to headline UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. McGregor has not competed inside the octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Despite his absence from promotional videos, McGregor posted training photos to Instagram as fight week began. The images show the Irish fighter in final preparation stages for his highly anticipated return.
The UFC has taken precautions given McGregor’s history with late cancellations. Top-ranked lightweight Mauricio Ruffy announced he will travel to Las Vegas on Monday to serve as a backup fighter for the main event.
McGregor’s Rocky Path Back to the Octagon
McGregor was originally scheduled to return in 2024 at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler. A broken toe forced him off that card on extremely late notice, adding another two years to an already lengthy layoff.
The 37-year-old fighter currently sits on a two-fight losing streak for the first time in his professional career. Both losses came against Poirier, with the first being a knockout at UFC 257 and the second ending due to the leg injury at UFC 264.
Conor McGregor has arrived for UFC 329 fight week 👀
(via @ufcontnt) pic.twitter.com/vGk8sFuC0A
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 8, 2026
McGregor first fought Holloway in 2013, winning by unanimous decision. That bout represented the only time McGregor went the distance in his first seven UFC fights.
Holloway has competed eight times during McGregor’s five-year absence from competition. The Hawaiian fighter won the UFC featherweight championship and later claimed the BMF belt at UFC 300 by defeating Justin Gaethje.
Questions About McGregor’s Mindset
McGregor’s approach to this fight remains unclear based on limited public appearances. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the fighter discussed how his faith has become more important to him and stated he is no longer motivated by money.
During a brief call with Holloway, McGregor appeared animated and aggressive, shouting over his opponent. Holloway responded in kind, matching McGregor’s energy level.
The first meeting between the two fighters in 2013 was marked by mutual respect. Both men touched gloves before the fight began, and trash talk was minimal compared to McGregor’s later promotional tactics.
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McGregor’s public image has taken hits during his time away from fighting. A win at UFC 329 would be his first since January 2020 when he defeated Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds.
Holloway lost his most recent fight at UFC 326, dropping a decision to Charles Oliveira. That defeat came after he had defended the BMF title against Poirier.
The same commentary team that called McGregor’s leg break in 2021 will return to call the UFC 329 main event. Fight week officially begins with media obligations scheduled for the coming days.
