Colby Covington weighs in on Conor McGregor's MMA future post-UFC 329 loss

Colby Covington has weighed in on Conor McGregor's future in MMA following his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway. The former interim UFC welterweight champion believes McGregor will return to the octagon, citing his competitive spirit and contractual obligations.

What happened at UFC 329?

Conor McGregor made his long-awaited return to the UFC at UFC 329 on June 15, 2026, facing Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch. The fight ended abruptly in the first round when McGregor suffered a leg injury after attempting a flying kick, resulting in a knockout loss for Holloway.

Why does Covington think McGregor will return?

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Covington expressed his belief that McGregor will fight again. He pointed out that McGregor still has one fight left on his UFC contract and needs the structure that fighting provides. Covington stated, 'He still has that fire, and he still wants to compete. Fighting’s good for Conor, so he needs that structure.'

What did McGregor say about his future?

On his 38th birthday, Conor McGregor took to social media to promise his fans a return to professional fighting. He wrote, '38 years of age. Happy birthday to the Mac. We'll be back. We'll be back. Come on. Come on. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We'll be back. Let's go.'

What comes next for McGregor?

While McGregor's exact timeline for a return remains unclear, Covington's comments suggest that the Irishman is likely to fulfill his contractual obligations with the UFC. Given McGregor's history of leg injuries, his next fight will be highly anticipated, with fans and analysts alike watching closely to see if he can regain his former dominance in the octagon.