McGregor rips Holloway's glasses off in intense face-off

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Conor McGregor (left) beat Max Holloway by decision in 2013 By Paul Battison BBC Sport Journalist Published 59 minutes ago Conor McGregor was welcomed back by fans as he ripped Max Holloway's glasses off in an intense face-off before the pair's rematch at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday. McGregor, 37, is set to return to the octagon for the first time since breaking his leg in defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021. McGregor has been involved in a series of controversies since, including court cases and missed drugs tests, and critics have questioned whether he deserves the spotlight. McGregor was loudly cheered by fans inside the T-Mobile Arena, however, while American opponent Holloway, who lost to the Irishman in 2013, was booed. After a heated face-off where McGregor threw Holloway's glasses before the pair were separated by security, he hoisted two commemorative UFC titles draped in Irish colours into the air. The belts symbolised McGregor's record as the first simultaneous two-weight world champion in UFC history after his featherweight triumph in 2015 and his lightweight victory in 2016. "I'm excited to showcase what human grit, desire and dedication can do," said McGregor. "Despite the odds, we can overcome them, never be a victim of your circumstances, overcome them. I'm going to show the world you too can do the same." 'At the top for so long' - Holloway's UFC career in stats Published 18 hours ago UFC 329: McGregor v Holloway 2 - all you need to know Published 3 days ago To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Up close and personal at a UFC face-off In November 2024, Nikita Hand, who accused McGregor of raping her, won her claim against him for damages for 'assault by rape' in a civil case. A jury found that McGregor assaulted Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018 and he was ordered to pay £206,000 plus damages. McGregor lost his civil jury appeal in July 2025 and Hand announced the following month her intention to sue him and two other people for damages, alleging they engaged in malicious abuse of court processes. Last year, McGregor also accepted an 18-month ban for violating the UFC's anti-doping policy after missing three drugs tests within a 12-month period in 2024. The ban, which was backdated to the third missed test in September 2024, concluded in March. Some commentators argue that support for McGregor within Ireland has dwindled, and although there were fans in Irish colours present, they were fewer in number and less vocal than at previous news conferences he has conducted. But UFC chiefs appear to believe McGregor will still draw eyes to the sport and make the promotion money without affecting the brand. When asked about the size of the fight between McGregor and Holloway, UFC president Dana White said it would draw, "the biggest gate in UFC history". McGregor sings Wonderall as Pimblett cheered Image source, Gett