Rumored Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway Rematch Won’t Happen, Says UFC Legend

Conor McGregor's return once again comes under controversy as UFC legend believes that the potential Max Holloway rematch won't happen.

Rumored Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway Rematch Won’t Happen, Says UFC Legend

Max Holloway vs Conor McGregor may not happen (via MMA Fighting, BJ Penn)

In Short
  • Chael Sonnen has ruled out a rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway due to weight differences and contractual issues.
  • McGregor last fought in 2021, suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier, and has faced multiple setbacks in his comeback attempts.
  • Sonnen suggests McGregor will return at welterweight, indicating he could face a different opponent for a lucrative main event.

Conor McGregor’s return has been controversial, as he has teased a comeback multiple times over the past few years. The recent International Fight Week schedule presents a promising window for the Irishman to re-enter the Octagon. Max Holloway has been discussed as a top potential opponent due to their shared history. UFC legend Chael Sonnen, however, has ruled out this matchup as a feasible option.

McGregor last competed in the UFC in 2021, suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout, which marked his last MMA fight. Since then, he has been linked to multiple comebacks, yet none have materialized for various reasons. He was also scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303. However, that fight was canceled after McGregor suffered a toe injury that left him unable to compete.

McGregor and Holloway share a brief history, having first fought in 2013 at lightweight, where the Irishman secured a decision win early in both their UFC careers. Since then, both fighters have expressed interest in a potential matchup, highlighting their past connection. However, Sonnen recently noted that the weight difference between them and differing contractual obligations make the fight unlikely.

I’m confident in telling you for sure it won’t be Max, because the only thing that I know about the Conor fight is that it will not be lower than 170 pounds. Max doesn’t fight at 170, but the mere fact that he would go up for that fight is the very reason you don’t need to do that fight. Conor McGregor could take on a mop. ‘Red Panty Night’ is still real. He could take any opponent, and it’s going to do really great, but I think he’s going to get a stud. It’s going to be a main event, there’s going to be a lot of money, and generally that’s going to attract a pretty good dance partner.

Chael Sonnen told Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie

The talk of McGregor’s return began when he revealed he had been offered an opponent and was waiting on the contract to be finalized. Later, MMA insider Ariel Helwani confirmed that the Irish star is expected to return during International Fight Week in June. Holloway has also acknowledged the possibility of the fight. He is ready to compete at any time and any weight if the matchup happens.

Sonnen has remained a vocal critic of the careers of both McGregor and Holloway. He recently stated that McGregor’s hype could quickly fizzle if he does not return at the UFC White House event. Sonnen was also critical of McGregor, citing a toe injury as the reason for his withdrawal from his UFC 303 bout. His analysis underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding The Notorious One’s long-awaited comeback.

According to Sonnen’s comments, Conor McGregor is set for a welterweight return. The former two-division champion has fought at 170 pounds three times in his career, including both fights against Nate Diaz and his 2020 UFC 246 win over Donald Cerrone. These performances highlight his ability to compete across weight classes. However, it remains to be seen whether Conor McGregor will make his anticipated return.

UFC legend talks about how Conor McGregor’s famous post-fight interview once fooled him

Conor McGregor became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously when he defeated Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight belt at UFC 205 in New York in November 2016. What made the moment iconic was his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. During the interview, McGregor initially appeared humble but then abruptly declared “absolutely nobody,” asserting his dominance over the division.

Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor (via X)

Since then, McGregor’s post-fight interview has become an iconic moment in UFC history, etched in the minds of fans and fighters alike. Many fighters have referenced the “absolutely nobody” quote over the years. At the time, Daniel Cormier was the reigning light heavyweight champion. His recent remarks highlight the Irishman’s ability to dominate both in and out of the Octagon.

He won that second belt in New York City, he has two belts on his shoulder, this arrogant kid from Ireland and he said to Joe, ‘I’d like to apologize.’ I was like he’s humble. Then he goes, ‘Absolutely nobody.’ I was like he’s actually really cool. He was the man bro, he changed what you thought an MMA fighter could be with the way that he talked and the way that he predicted things. I don’t know if we had seen a fighter come in with that level of confidence.

Daniel Cormier via Prince St Pizza

Cormier’s comments frame McGregor as a cultural icon for younger MMA fighters, highlighting his influence both inside and outside the Octagon. As a fellow double champion, DC acknowledged Conor McGregor’s impact on how UFC fighters market themselves and build personal brands. The Irishman’s combination of athletic skill and promotional savvy has set a clear template for the next generation.

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