Conor McGregor will make his return to the octagon on July 11th for UFC 329 after more than five years out of the game. The notorious one will take on Max Holloway in a rematch nearly 13 years in the making. If McGregor comes out victorious in his return bout, who could be next in his path? Here’s a look at three potential opponents.

Justin Gaethje

Conor mcgregor, UFC 329, Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, Max Holloway
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., UNITED STATES; Justin Gaethje stands in the octagon prior to his fight against Ilia Topuria (not pictured) during UFC Freedom 250 at White House South Lawn. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Justin Gaethje would be the biggest opportunity McGregor could realistically earn for a fight in early 2027. After his incredible victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, Gaethje will look for a deserving opponent for his first title defense. McGregor’s opponent in Holloway had one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history when he KO’d Gaethje at UFC 300 in the last second. If McGregor wins, he could easily be next in line for the lightweight championship.

Paddy Pimblett

Conor mcgregor, UFC 329, Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, Max Holloway
Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Paddy Pimblett (blue gloves) before the fight against Justin Gaethje (red gloves) during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Paddy Pimblett would be less of an opportunity for McGregor with no title on the line, but this fight would get the fans buzzing. Two of the more exciting fighters, both in the cage and out, would bring a clash of generations to the UFC. This could be the perfect fight if a title isn’t the very next step for McGregor.

Islam Makhachev

Conor mcgregor, UFC 329, Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, Max Holloway
Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Jack Della Maddalena (not pictured) by unanimous decision in the welterweight championship bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Islam Makhachev vs McGregor would be the biggest fight in UFC history, and it probably wouldn’t even be close. The pound-for-pound best in the UFC against the most electric fighter of all-time. A clash of styles with major history between the two. This would go back to the current biggest fight in IFC history, featuring McGregor and one of Makhachev’s current coaches, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, running an alternative fight in 2027 would bring every MMA fan in and have all eyes on the UFC. This would be a must-see fight on all levels.

End Of My Conor McGregor UFC Rant

McGregor will have to get past Holloway first, but looking ahead brings some major opportunities. These three fights would be great contests, but more importantly, they would draw eyes from fans across the MMA world.