Dana White Announce Grand Return of Conor McGregor During Jake Paul and Ronda Rousey’s Netflix MMA Event

UFC CEO Dana White finally announces Irish superstar Conor McGregor's long awaited return against Max Holloway at UFC 329.

Dana White Announce Grand Return of Conor McGregor During Jake Paul and Ronda Rousey’s Netflix MMA Event

Dana White announces Conor McGregor's return (via SPORTbible, The Independent)

In Short
  • Dana White announced Conor McGregor's return to the Octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
  • McGregor's last fight was in 2021, where he suffered a leg injury against Dustin Poirier.
  • The announcement was made during the Netflix stream of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event, intensifying UFC and MVP MMA rivalry.

UFC CEO Dana White delivered one of the biggest announcements of International Fight Week during UFC Vegas 117. He confirmed Conor McGregor will return to the Octagon against Max Holloway in a UFC 329 main event rematch. However, what caught many fans’ attention was that White made the announcement during the Netflix stream of the superfight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.

McGregor returns to the Octagon after a lengthy layoff, having last fought in 2021. He suffered a leg injury loss against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The fight ended after the Irishman broke his tibia in the opening round. Since then, he has remained inactive while recovering and planning a comeback. He was later scheduled to return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler, but pulled out due to a toe injury.

Rousey vs. Carano was considered one of the biggest MMA events in recent years, given their legacy as women’s MMA pioneers. The event was held under White’s longtime rival, Jake Paul’s co-founded Most Valuable Promotions. White attended UFC Vegas 117, headlined by Arnold Allen against Melquizael Costa. He also announced UFC 329’s main card and Gable Steveson’s UFC debut against Elisha Ellison.

Holloway remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars and was long discussed as a potential comeback opponent for McGregor. The fight is a rematch of their 2013 meeting, where McGregor earned a unanimous decision victory in Boston. Holloway was still early into his UFC career during their first encounter. The Hawaiian star will enter UFC 329 following a recent loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.

McGregor had been hinting at a UFC return for several months before the official announcement. He initially revealed interest in competing at the planned UFC White House event during recent appearances. However, the matchup never materialized despite ongoing speculation around his comeback. Nearly two months ago, Ariel Helwani reported McGregor was targeting a return during International Fight Week.

Interestingly, Dana White did not announce Conor McGregor’s return during the MVP MMA card’s main event. Instead, he revealed the matchup during Francis Ngannou’s fight against Philipe Lins. The timing stood out, given White and Ngannou’s long-standing tension after the heavyweight’s UFC departure. The Notorious One’s comeback announcement became one of the event’s biggest storylines.

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Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou react to Dana White announcing Conor McGregor’s return during the MVP MMA broadcast

Jake Paul has remained openly critical of Dana White and the UFC’s business structure for several years. He repeatedly accused the promotion of underpaying fighters and enforcing restrictive long-term contracts. Paul also took several personal shots at White during interviews and public appearances across multiple events. Recently, he stated that MVP MMA was being built as a legitimate competitor to the UFC.

Conor McGregor and Dana White
Conor McGregor and Dana White (via MMA Fighting)

Paul has intensified his criticism of White and the UFC in recent months across several interviews and media appearances. He criticized the UFC White House card and questioned the promotion’s handling of former champions like Jon Jones. During the post-fight press conference for the MVP MMA event, the influencer boxer addressed White, announcing Conor McGregor’s return during the broadcast.

Francis Ngannou also reacted after White announced McGregor’s UFC return during the MVP MMA broadcast. White recently alleged Ngannou pressured UFC officials for bonuses and additional perks during his championship reign. The Cameroonian heavyweight mostly ignored those accusations despite continued discussion. However, Ngannou weighed in on White’s announcement during his walkout.

What do I have to do with that? So I should stop my walkout and look at what’s going on with [Dana]? I don’t care, bro. Let’s move on, life goes on, I’m doing my stuff here, I’m doing good, I have no problem. Everybody can do whatever they want.

Francis Ngannou via MVP MMA press conference

The unexpected announcement further intensified the growing rivalry between the UFC and MVP MMA during a major crossover event. Dana White’s decision to reveal The Notorious One’s return during the broadcast added even more attention to the competing promotion. The Irishman’s UFC 329 comeback announcement ultimately became one of the night’s defining storylines.

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