UFC CEO Dana White announced Conor McGregor will return to the Octagon after five years away, facing Max Holloway in a welterweight bout on July 11 in Las Vegas. This comeback comes at the same time the first MMA card promoted by Most Valuable Promotions reached its crescendo, signaling a potential resurgence of star power in the sport. The return of arguably MMA's biggest star brings immediate attention to what could be a landmark summer for mixed martial arts.

The timing couldn't be better for McGregor's return, as the sport has somewhat lacked "the world stops and watches" moments recently. With the White House card featuring UFC Freedom Fights 250, McGregor's comeback, and returns of other stars like Francis Ngannou and Ronda Rousey, this summer stands to be one of the best ever in MMA history. The sport appears to be experiencing a cyclical comeback with star power driving interest.

Holloway represents an ideal opponent for McGregor, given their history, shared weight classes, and standing as fan-favorites who prefer striking battles. The script for what could be one of the most-anticipated rematches in UFC history writes itself. However, McGregor's unpredictable lifestyle and injury concerns remain, with analysts estimating a 30% chance he might not make it to the fight, which would likely end his UFC career given his age and the five years away from competition.