Two-time UFC champion Conor McGregor has reminded his followers and the MMA world that he will be back in the Octagon next weekend after posting a peculiar video on his social media accounts.

The Irishman will end his five-year hiatus from professional fighting on the 11th of July when he takes on Max Holloway for a second time at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.

McGregor’s last appearance in the Octagon saw him stopped for a second consecutive time against Dustin Poirier, leaving him at 1-2 in his trilogy with the American.

Following this opening round stoppage defeat, McGregor spent time on the sidelines with a broken lower tibia and was only scheduled to return to the Octagon in the summer of 2023 against Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

However, the proposed fight with Chandler fell through a fortnight prior to the event due to the Irish star suffering a toe injury.

The former featherweight and lightweight champion’s comeback was delayed further in 2025 after he failed to mention his whereabouts for biological sample collections on three occasions in the year prior. The 18-month ban he was handed for violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy ended in April this year.

His second meeting with Holloway next weekend will be held at welterweight, with the first encounter from 13 years ago having been a featherweight encounter. The 2013 bout saw McGregor take care of business against the American by securing a unanimous decision victory.

Conor McGregor’s Advert Before UFC 329

In an attempt to generate hype ahead of his imminent return to the Octagon, the 37-year-old has put up an interesting post on his official social accounts ahead of fight week.

The black and white video, captioned: ‘Against All Odds. July 11th’ depicts the two-time UFC champion excessively washing his face with water over a sink before looking directly into a mirror and stating, “You talking to me? We’re together, me and you,” before washing his face more.

The bizarre video then continues as McGregor keeps his eyes locked on the mirror as he shouts: “You’re talking to me. You doubt me. After all we’ve been through!”

The post, made in partnership with Polymarket, then abruptly ends as the video’s tagline of ‘Against All Odds’ is displayed across the screen.

Evidently, McGregor is keen to silence those who remain sceptical about his return to MMA action and doubt whether he is still a big draw in the Octagon after half a decade away.

While next Saturday night’s showdown at T-Mobila Arena is going to be a major moment for McGregor, it will also be an important outing for Holloway. The American is hoping to return to winning ways after being defeated by Brazil’s Charles Oliveira in a lightweight contest earlier this year, which meant he lost his “BMF” belt.

Manchester United look set to miss out on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but they do have alternative options lined up.

The Red Devils have been heavily focusing on bringing in new midfielders in the summer transfer window, but their pursuit of Fernandes appears to be coming to an end.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Tottenham have now beaten Manchester United in the race for Fernandes, paying a fee of around £85m with no add-ons.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Red Devils, who stood firm in the fact that they didn’t want to overpay for the Portuguese midfielder.

It’s undoubtedly a smart signing for Spurs, and United now need to explore alternative targets.

Man Utd Exploring Fernandes Alternatives

via Reuters

With Manchester United set to miss out on Fernandes, they do have a list of alternatives to reinforce their midfield in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from The Athletic, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another target for the Red Devils, with signing a midfielder their clear focus.

Reports have suggested that Wharton could cost in the region of £100m, more than what Spurs are expected to pay for Fernandes.

The English midfielder, described as a ‘superstar’, has flourished since making the move to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, and it’s no surprise that Palace are looking to receive £100m for him.

Missing out on Fernandes is a blow for United, but it is a positive that they already have a list of alternative targets.

Manuel Ugarte Injury: Man Utd’s Transfer Plans

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte recently suffered what appeared to be a serious injury while at the World Cup with his country.

It was a crucial blow for the Red Devils, with United planning to offload him during the summer transfer window.

The Athletic’s Ornstein has confirmed that their midfielder recruitment plans remain unaffected after the injury. They will still be looking to sign at least two midfielders in the summer transfer window, and they have a list of targets they could aim for.

Wharton is among those who United are looking at, but it remains to be seen who they pursue after missing out on Fernandes.

Tottenham look set to secure the signature of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, and they are now confident of signing another player.

It was confirmed by David Ornstein on Tuesday evening that Spurs have won the race ahead of Manchester United to sign Fernandes in the summer transfer window.

The North London club have offered in the region of £85m in guaranteed funds to secure his signature. He now looks set to make the move to Tottenham.

It’s already been a busy summer transfer window for Spurs, signing Jan-Paul Van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to bolster their defensive options.

Tottenham don’t appear to be slowing down as they continue to work on deals in the market.

Tottenham Expect Another Signing

via Reuters

According to a report from the BBC, it’s not just Fernandes who could be making the move to Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that Spurs are advancing in their efforts to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, and they are growing in confidence that they can secure his signature.

That is despite Tottenham facing competition for his signature, with reports suggesting that Manchester City would match their contract offer for the Italian midfielder.

Spurs have already reportedly agreed personal terms with the Newcastle man, and it’s just about agreeing a fee with the North East club.

It appears that Tottenham are still in the market for Tonali despite already securing a midfielder in Fernandes, as they look to overhaul their squad in the summer transfer window.

Double midfield signing could lead to exits

via Reuters

Strengthening in the middle of the park is a huge priority for Tottenham in the summer transfer window, but it is likely to lead to players leaving the club.

If Fernandes and Tonali, described as ‘elite’ players, both arrive and are set to become guaranteed starters, that puts Spurs in a tricky position with some of their other players.

The likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, among others, could find it difficult to break into the side.

Bergvall has already informed Tottenham that he wishes to leave the club as he searches for a new opportunity, knowing that Spurs are pushing to bring in new midfielders.