Usman Nurmagomedov skeptical about Conor McGregor’s return

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has cast doubt on Conor McGregor's scheduled return to the UFC, expressing skepticism that the former two-division champ will appear for his welterweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.

Nurmagomedov (21-0), preparing to defend his title against undefeated Archie Colgan (13-0) at PFL New York on July 31, told Home of Fight that five years away from the sport represents too long a layoff for McGregor (22-6). "First of all, I don't believe he is gonna come," Nurmagomedov said. "If he will, I don't believe he's gonna beat [Holloway]. Because five years he stayed away from the sport, this is too much, very long."

McGregor hasn't competed since December 2021, when he suffered a leg break in a trilogy loss to Dustin Poirier. Though he recovered physically within a year, he has since pursued ventures outside professional fighting and teased comebacks that never materialized. Most recently, he was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in 2024 but withdrew due to a toe injury.

Despite his general skepticism of McGregor's return, Nurmagomedov acknowledged that a McGregor victory would benefit MMA. "If [Conor] beats [Holloway], it will be good for MMA," he said. "He will begin to talk and more fans come back." The legendary striker's drawing power remains unmatched, even among doubters who question whether he can deliver in the octagon after such a prolonged absence.