Conor McGregor Wants Max Holloway For His Final UFC Fight After Knee Surgery

Max Holloway remains McGregor's preferred opponent for his UFC farewell.© NDTV Library

Conor McGregor wants Max Holloway for the last fight on his UFC contract, and he's not interested in taking a bout against an unproven name. At the BKFC Glasgow post-fight press conference, he called for a third meeting after their July rematch ended 69 seconds in because of his knee injury. He's still recovering from surgery, but says he's working toward a return in 2027. If Holloway can't do it, McGregor wants a fighter with major championship credentials, and his preferred date stays tied to how the recovery goes.

McGregor says Holloway is the only opponent he wants

The July rematch at UFC 329 stopped after 69 seconds, when McGregor hurt his knee throwing an opening kick. He later confirmed damage to his ACL and meniscus and had surgery.

At the BKFC Glasgow press conference, McGregor argued with how the fight ended. He claimed Holloway did not engage and called for the referee to stop the contest.

“He's the one that called for the stoppage in the fight. He said, ‘Ref, ref!' He's the one stopping the fight,” McGregor said. He described the result as“shocking” and“heartbreaking,” adding that he was still dealing with it.

Holloway has said he's open to a third fight, MMA Fighting reported. Whether it actually happens comes down to timing and how McGregor's recovery goes.

McGregor says any replacement must have world-level credentials

McGregor has one fight left on his UFC contract and wants to finish it before he becomes a free agent. He first targeted International Fight Week in 2027, but now says he could be back earlier if recovery allows. That's a pretty big shift in his own timeline.

“I'm on my way back,” he said, adding that he was about three months removed from surgery. He pointed to an earlier recovery from a similar injury, saying, “I done this injury before and returned within nine months.” That's his own estimate, not a confirmed UFC timetable.

He hasn't ruled out another opponent if Holloway isn't available. But McGregor wants someone with major achievements, not a fighter whose credentials stop at regional or national titles.

“If you're not a world champion fighter, if you've not got world accolades to your name,”he said. He called for a“world caliber fighter.”The UFC hasn't announced a date or opponent for his next fight.