McGregor to Stay at 170 Pounds as Coach Says 155 Return Needs 'Something Really Big'

Q: Will a victory erase the controversies of his layoff, or is McGregor's legacy now permanently tied to anti-doping questions?

A win over Max Holloway would revive Conor McGregor’s sporting credibility, but it would not erase the anti-doping questions now attached to his legacy. The reason is the controversy is not based on one rumor. It includes the New York Times report alleging banned-drug use during his recovery from the 2021 leg break, his surgeon’s support for a therapeutic-use exemption that was reportedly denied, his removal from the USADA testing pool during rehab, and the later fallout between UFC and USADA. Added to that is the reported 18-month suspension, retroactive to September 2024, for missed tests. Even though that suspension has expired and he is eligible to fight, those facts are now part of the public record. A victory would still matter. McGregor is 37, has not fought in five years, and is just 1-3 since October 2018. Beating an active, elite opponent like Holloway in his welterweight return would strengthen the argument that he remains a serious fighter at 170 pounds, where coach John Kavanagh says he is most comfortable. It would also counter the idea that his comeback is only a commercial event. But legacy in combat sports is cumulative. McGregor’s achievements — becoming a simultaneous two-division UFC champion and one of the sport’s biggest stars — remain significant. So do the caveats: inactivity, no title defenses during that championship peak, and the anti-doping cloud. One win can reshape the next chapter; it is unlikely to rewrite the full story.

Q: With his UFC contract ending, is this comeback a final run for glory or a power play for a massive new deal?

It looks like both, but the stronger read is that this is a leverage play wrapped inside a legacy comeback. The timing matters. McGregor has two fights left on his UFC deal, the promotion has not yet moved to extend him, and he has openly suggested his current contract does not reflect his market value. That gives UFC 329 unusual importance: if he beats Max Holloway after a five-year layoff, at age 37 and coming off a serious leg injury, he immediately strengthens his hand for a richer extension or for talks outside the UFC. The welterweight decision also supports that view. John Kavanagh says 170 pounds is now the “comfortable cut,” while 155 is unlikely unless something major changes. That points less to a title-chasing reset across divisions and more to keeping McGregor active, healthy enough to fight again soon, and commercially viable for big-event matchmaking. Kavanagh has even said he wants McGregor back before the end of the year rather than waiting until April 2027. Still, this is not only business. McGregor’s recent UFC record is poor, he has not won since 2020, and his reputation as an elite fighter needs repair. A strong return against Holloway would revive his sporting credibility and add to his legacy, even if another title run remains uncertain. So the comeback is best seen as a dual-purpose move: a real attempt at redemption, but above all a high-stakes audition for one last blockbuster contract.

3 articles · Updated · Heavy.com · Jul 8

John Kavanagh said Conor McGregor is effectively done at lightweight and plans to remain at 170 pounds unless an unusually big offer persuades him to cut back to 155.
At 37, McGregor finds the lighter cut tougher, while welterweight is now a more comfortable fit for his frame, reach and strength, according to his longtime coach.
Justin Gaethje was floated as the kind of marquee lightweight matchup that could change the equation, with the champion previously saying he would consider a McGregor fight.
Any title path still runs through Saturday's UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas, where McGregor faces Max Holloway before potential welterweight options such as the UFC 330 winner.

Sources

Heavy.com3h ago

Coach John Kavanagh: Conor McGregor's Lightweight Days Over, Will Stay at Welterweight

Sports Illustrated3h ago

Coach John Kavanagh: Conor McGregor Unlikely to Return to Lightweight After UFC 329, Prefers Welterweight

MMA Fighting5h ago

Conor McGregor coach says lightweight days are done, would like to see him fight again in 2026 | MMA Fighting

7 Sources

After a five-year layoff, can McGregor's power overcome an active opponent, or will ring rust define his welterweight return?

Will a victory erase the controversies of his layoff, or is McGregor's legacy now permanently tied to anti-doping questions?

With his UFC contract ending, is this comeback a final run for glory or a power play for a massive new deal?

McGregor to Stay at 170 Pounds as Coach Says 155 Return Needs 'Something Really Big'

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