Conor McGregor rips Max Holloway's glasses at UFC 329
At the UFC 329 press conference on July 9 in Las Vegas, Conor McGregor ripped Max Holloway's glasses off and threw them during an intense face-off before security stepped in. The moment capped a charged buildup to their welterweight rematch at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, McGregor's first UFC appearance since breaking his leg in 2021.
Key Takeaways
- McGregor grabbed Holloway's sunglasses and threw them before security separated the pair at T-Mobile Arena.
- The face-off came at the UFC 329 pre-fight press conference on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
- McGregor was loudly cheered while Holloway was booed inside the Las Vegas venue.
- The bout is a welterweight rematch 13 years after McGregor beat Holloway by decision in 2013.
- UFC president Dana White said the event is expected to draw the biggest gate in UFC history.
What happened at the UFC 329 press conference?
Conor McGregor and Max Holloway came face to face for the first time ahead of UFC 329 during Thursday's press conference at T-Mobile Arena. When the staredown began, McGregor ripped Holloway's glasses off his face and threw them to the ground, according to BBC Sport.
Security intervened to separate the fighters after the heated exchange. McGregor then hoisted two commemorative UFC titles draped in Irish colours, symbolising his record as the first simultaneous two-weight world champion in UFC history.
The UFC posted full footage of the event as the UFC 329 pre-fight press conference, held live from Las Vegas on July 9.
Why does McGregor's return matter for UFC 329?
McGregor, 37, returns to the octagon for the first time since breaking his leg in defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021. The Guardian notes that five years on, his comeback reflects the UFC's appetite for its fallen star as much as his own ambitions.
White told reporters the McGregor-Holloway rematch would draw "the biggest gate in UFC history." The Guardian reported the gate is expected to break the company record of $21,892,245. Weigh-ins on Friday are scheduled to air on CBS, with Paramount+ carrying the event as the UFC's rights partner.
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How did Holloway and McGregor react?
Holloway, 34, regarded as one of the best UFC fighters of all time, engaged occasionally with McGregor but spent much of the press conference smiling and shaking his head in amusement. "He's got two belts, I can't wait to take those two pretty belts off his hands," Holloway said.
McGregor has won just one fight in 10 years but repeatedly claimed he would "destroy" Holloway. "I'm excited to showcase what human grit, desire and dedication can do," McGregor said. "Honey I'm home. I put a bed in the gym, I lived in the gym literally."
Inside the arena, McGregor was welcomed back by loud cheers while Holloway, who lost to the Irishman in 2013, was booed. Some commentators argue support for McGregor within Ireland has dwindled, though UFC chiefs appear to believe he will still draw eyes and revenue.
Where can fans watch UFC 329?
UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The pre-fight press conference aired Thursday, July 9, at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, per UFC.com.
The main card arrives 13 years after McGregor outpointed a young Holloway in Boston. This time both enter as former featherweight champions at welterweight, with no title on the line but plenty of legacy at stake for McGregor's long-awaited return.