Conor McGregor has accepted Max Holloway's offer of a rematch almost a decade after the Irishman won their first meeting which by unanimous decision.
The pair both went on to become stars and world champions after the bout, with McGregor dethroning featherweight champion Jose Aldo before winning lightweight gold against Eddie Alvarez. Meanwhile, Holloway defeated Aldo twice to earn his own gold and proceeded to defend it on multiple occasions, becoming one of the greatest featherweights of all time.
However, the fight has weighed on both men's minds since it ended, with McGregor unhappy with only earning a decision victory after suffering a severe injury during the bout that kept him out for almost a year. Meanwhile, Holloway is confident that he could beat the Irishman if they fought again, frequently expressing his interest in making the rematch happen.
As recently as this week, Holloway told The MMA Hour: "I would love to fight Conor. I was the only guy that took Conor to a decision at 145. He's big right now. We'll see what happens. I know he wants to come back but that would be a fight that would be super interesting, super fun.
"[There are] a lot of questions. There are a lot of unknowns because we are two different fighters from what we were back then. I think it would be a fan favourite. I think a lot of fans would love that fight. A lot of fans have been asking for that fight. We will see what happens."
McGregor was notified of Holloway's interview by a fan on Twitter, with the user noting that Holloway wants the fight 'before he retires'. The Irishman, who has frequently insisted he has no plans to hang up the gloves, responded by telling Holloway that "I’m never retiring so we defo fighting, lad."
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The key issue for a fight between the pair would be weight, given that Holloway has opted to stay down at 145lb bar one effort at lightweight gold, while McGregor is now bulked up considerably and plans to return at 170lb. However, the Hawaiian claims he would do the bout at a rarely sanctioned openweight if it meant getting a deal over the line.
"At the end of the day, it's not even a weight thing," Holloway continued, pushing the issue of a rematch. "I will fight him open weight. Whatever commission will tell us, just show up to the weight. You don't have to worry. I just love to go out there and test him."
McGregor is currently preparing for his own return to the octagon after what will be over two years by the time he steps into the cage. He will face Michael Chandler, against whom he coached on this season of The Ultimate Fighter, and expects to earn a shot at an unprecedented third world title if he can get the victory.
