McGregor's Comeback Fight: Frontrunner Emerges as Masvidal is Ruled Out!

According to reports, Jorge Masvidal is not in the plans to fight Conor McGregor on his return. Masvidal revealed that he rejected an offer from Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) to fight on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix card. The fighter hasn't fought in the UFC since April 2023, but his return was expected this year, as was McGregor's. The UFC put forward 'other plans' for him, prompting fans to assume the promotion was lining him up to face McGregor, who is expected to make a grand comeback this summer.

However, according to Ariel Helwani, Masvidal is not in negotiations to fight McGregor, and another huge name is now a clear frontrunner to face the Irishman.

Ariel Helwani reported that Max Holloway, former UFC featherweight champion and BMF champion, is the frontrunner to welcome McGregor back to MMA. Holloway offered his former foe a rematch, expressing his desire to 'get one back' on his 2013 defeat to the Irishman. Helwani explained on The Ariel Helwani Show: 'I told you Max Holloway ain’t playing games, so frontrunner Max Holloway'.

The news comes just a day after McGregor continued to hint at his return on social media. McGregor wrote: 'The rumors are true! Mr. Confidence returns to save fighting again... Hey, Paramount+, see you guys soon. I’m so excited'.

Helwani continued: 'Conor McGregor, he’s confirming it right there'. The UFC recognises that they’ve got to get their biggest star back. McGregor's last UFC win came against Donald Cerrone in 2020. Holloway, who lost the BMF strap to Charles Oliveira this month, is the favourite to welcome the Irishman. 'I think they’re going to pay him better than what they were talking to Jon Jones about, better than the [$15million] Conor Benn number'.

Holloway said: 'People are going to be very excited... Max said 170 lbs. When he put out that [offer], I knew exactly what he was doing. He was planting the seed. He hasn’t talked about Conor in quite some time. There was a time when he was chasing that Conor rematch, and then he did it, and it made all the sense'.

Holloway was dominated by Charles Oliveira in his last fight at UFC 326 this month, dropping the BMF title to 'Do Bronxs' in the process. Many fans suggested that the winner of the main event clash would go on to face McGregor, but it seems the UFC brass prefer Holloway over Oliveira for the former’s comeback fight. McGregor is expected to make his return to the UFC in July during the promotion’s annual international fight week.

As for Masvidal, the American confirmed he will end his three-year hiatus from the sport at welterweight. The 41-year-old said he will announce all of the details for his return soon.

A rematch with Nate Diaz had long been the rumored opponent for Masvidal’s comeback, but he now faces Mike Perry on the Rousey vs. Carano card in May. Colby Covington remains a suitable opponent for Masvidal’s return, having been unsuccessful in his bid to get a fight at UFC White House. Furthermore, Leon Edwards, who was knocked out by Carlos Prates at UFC 322 last time out, is another name who could meet Masvidal due to the perennial hatred between the two.

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out UFC schedule.