McGregor's coach says welterweight future set, hopes for 2026 return
Coach John Kavanagh says Conor McGregor will likely remain at welterweight after his upcoming fight with Max Holloway and would prefer the Irish star to compete again before his contract expires in 2027.
Conor McGregor is scheduled to fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, marking his first bout in five years. The rematch will be contested at 170 pounds, a weight class the fighter has previously used in three welterweight outings.
Coach John Kavanagh told mixedmartialarts.com that McGregor is unlikely to return to the 155-pound division, noting that a 170-pound cut is "comfortable" for him and that his frame and reach suit the higher weight class. Kavanagh added that a significant incentive would be required to move McGregor back down to lightweight.
McGregor, who has held titles at 145 and 155 pounds, last won at welterweight in 2020 with a knockout of Donald Cerrone. His two recent fights at 155 pounds ended in losses to Dustin Poirier, the latter resulting in a broken leg and a lengthy hiatus.
While McGregor has reportedly discussed scheduling his final contract fight for April 2027, Kavanagh said he would like to see the fighter return to competition sooner. "How does the calendar look? ... I would love to have something before the end of the year," he said, adding that a July finish to the current fight would allow a short break before another bout.
Regarding the upcoming contest, Kavanagh offered a brief assessment, describing what McGregor might deliver as "a master class," without providing further tactical details.