Dana White denies timing Conor McGregor announcement to counter MVP event

UFC President Dana White pushed back against speculation that the promotion timed its announcement of a Conor McGregor versus Max Holloway rematch—which would headline UFC 329—to overshadow Most Valuable Promotions' debut MMA card featuring Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The McGregor-Holloway confirmation came on July 16, coinciding with Francis Ngannou's entrance against Philipe Lins at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles during UFC Fight Night 276. The timing fueled accusations that the UFC deliberately released the blockbuster matchup to redirect media and fan attention away from MVP's inaugural show. However, White dismissed those claims in an interview with Fred Talks Fighting, asserting the announcement was made when the bout was finally finalized rather than as a strategic counterattack. Whether intentional or coincidental, the McGregor-Holloway rematch announcement generated significant buzz in the MMA world, commanding attention from fighters and media outlets alike.