Conor McGregor returns to the octagon this Sunday to fight Max Holloway after a five-year hiatus. While his status as the sport’s biggest draw remains intact, his comeback is clouded by significant personal and legal controversies. At 37, McGregor aims to move past a severe leg injury sustained in his 2021 defeat to Dustin Poirier.
His legacy has been deeply impacted by a civil case involving Nikita Hand, who accused him of sexual assault. A jury found in favor of Hand, and McGregor was ordered to pay damages, with further legal battles regarding the conduct of the proceedings ongoing. Additionally, the fighter served an 18-month ban for missing three drug tests in 2024 and faced a 2019 conviction for an altercation in a Dublin pub. His public comments on Irish politics have also alienated parts of his home country.
Despite these issues, UFC leadership continues to promote him heavily, citing his unmatched ability to generate pay-per-view revenue. McGregor insists he is focused on the challenge of fighting Holloway, a highly regarded opponent. Having not won a professional bout since 2020, McGregor faces skepticism about his current performance level, though he maintains he has prepared meticulously for the match at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
