Conor McGregor made a combustible return to the UFC spotlight at a UFC 329 news conference in Las Vegas, snatching and throwing Max Holloway's glasses during a heated face-off before security separated the pair. The 37-year-old Irishman, cheered loudly by fans, is preparing to fight for the first time since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, and his comeback matters because it tests whether a fighter mired in legal and doping controversies can still headline the promotion. Holloway, whom McGregor beat on points in 2013, was booed but appeared largely amused, smiling and shaking his head throughout.

McGregor hoisted two commemorative belts marking his status as the UFC's first simultaneous two-weight champion, and sang Oasis's "Wonderwall" to the crowd, showcasing the showmanship that made his name. His return follows serious controversies: in November 2024 a civil jury found he had assaulted Nikita Hand, ordering him to pay £206,000 plus damages, an appeal he lost in July 2025, and he served an 18-month anti-doping ban that ended in March. UFC president Dana White predicted the bout would draw "the biggest gate in UFC history", while Britain's Paddy Pimblett, who features in the co-main event against Benoit Saint-Denis, said he was the second most popular fighter on stage behind McGregor.