Conor McGregor received a raucous reception from fans as he came face-to-face with Max Holloway ahead of their UFC 329 main event, with the former two-division champion saying he is ready to prove himself in his long-awaited return to competition.

McGregor, who has not fought since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, meets Holloway in a rematch more than a decade after defeating the Hawaiian by decision. The pair’s final pre-fight face-off turned heated when McGregor removed Holloway’s glasses and threw them aside before security stepped in.

“I’m excited to showcase what human grit, desire and dedication can do,” said McGregor. “Despite the odds, we can overcome them, never be a victim of your circumstances, overcome them. I’m going to show the world you too can do the same.”

McGregor was loudly cheered by fans inside the T-Mobile Arena before raising two commemorative UFC championship belts draped in the colours of the Irish flag. The belts recognised his achievement as the first fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes following his featherweight and lightweight championship victories.

Saturday’s contest marks McGregor’s first appearance in the Octagon in five years and comes after an extended absence caused by injury. A victory over Holloway would represent a successful comeback and could immediately place the Irishman back in the title picture.

McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision when they first met in 2013, before both men went on to become UFC champions. Holloway enters the rematch looking to avenge that loss, while McGregor attempts to begin the next chapter of his career with a victory in Las Vegas.

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