Conor McGregor. Image via: Getty ImagesConor McGregor is back, and UFC 329 has become one of the most talked-about MMA events of 2026. The Irish superstar will return to the Octagon for the first time in five years. He faces Max Holloway in the main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11. The event sold out within minutes.However, UFC 329 arrives just weeks after the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. That card created unforgettable moments. This includes Justin Gaethje’s stunning win over Ilia Topuria and record-breaking streaming numbers.Conor McGregor’s return faces tough competition from UFC Freedom 250 historic success The UFC has delivered two blockbuster events in quick succession. While UFC Freedom 250 made history by becoming the first UFC event held at the White House, UFC 329 carries the emotional weight of Conor McGregor’s long-awaited comeback.McGregor has not fought since 2021 and has spent years recovering from injuries while remaining one of the sport’s biggest global stars. Despite his absence, his popularity has barely faded. Tickets for UFC 329 disappeared almost immediately after going on sale, with resale prices climbing well above $1,000. That demand once again highlights McGregor’s unmatched ability to attract fans.The UFC Freedom 250 event created history for different reasons. Staged on the White House grounds, it became one of the most unique sporting events ever organized by the promotion. The main event between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria delivered nonstop action and is already considered one of the best fights of the year. The event also reportedly helped Paramount+ register its highest audience ever for an exclusive live event, proving that fans were eager to witness a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.Many believe the UFC deliberately kept McGregor away from the White House card. The promotion did not need his drawing power for an event with limited seating. Instead, officials saved his return for UFC 329, allowing his comeback to headline a full arena in Las Vegas and generate another massive pay-per-view event.McGregor’s history supports that decision. Throughout his UFC career, he has headlined some of the highest-selling pay-per-view events in MMA history. His fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier, and Eddie Alvarez attracted millions of viewers worldwide. Even after years away from competition, his name continues to create enormous interest among casual fans and longtime followers alike.Still, UFC 329 offers much more than McGregor’s return. Paddy Pimblett faces Benoit Saint Denis in a high-profile lightweight clash after suffering the first UFC defeat of his career earlier this year.Whether UFC 329 ultimately outshines UFC Freedom 250 will depend on what happens inside the Octagon. The White House event delivered historic moments, unforgettable fights, and record-breaking viewership. UFC 329 already has enormous anticipation because of McGregor’s comeback. If the former two-division champion delivers a vintage performance against Holloway, the event could become one of the biggest nights in modern UFC history.