Max Holloway wasn’t the only name floated around for Conor McGregor’s comeback fight. The former dual-weight UFC champion returns to the Octagon on July 12 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, almost five years to the day of his doomed last outing. McGregor and Holloway will rematch on July 12Getty ImagesOn July 10, 2021, at the same venue, McGregor’s career was turned upside down by a horrific leg break sustained in the opening stanza of his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier. After a successful rehabilitation, McGregor will now look to reignite the spark that once made him arguably the most captivating figure in combat sports as he locks horns against another familiar foe in Holloway.McGregor bested Holloway over the distance all the way back in 2013, long before either man would get their hands on UFC gold.Considering the history and the name value both men carry, it seems like the most logical matchup to be made at this stage, especially given that the more active Holloway will be moving up to uncharted territory at 170lbs.But before the UFC decided on Holloway as McGregor’s next dance partner, the Irishman was offered a bout with dangerous Brazilian knockout artist Carlos Prates.Conor McGregor accepted Carlos Prates fight“They said to me about [Prates],” McGregor told The Ariel Helwani Show earlier this week.“I said, ‘Yeah, no problem. Send the contract.’ So I’m saying yeah for about two weeks. “Where’s the contract? No contract came. Do you know what it was?“They wanted me back down at 155lbs (lightweight), so I think they were trying to throw names at me [to get me to move down].“But I said ‘Yes, no problem’. So your man went five rounds with Ian Garry.McGregor accepted a fight with Prates before the UFC decided on HollowayGetty“I saw the fight. He’s a little southpaw, a little whippy southpaw. So yeah, no problem.”On the possibility of moving back down to lightweight, he added: “I’m a 170lbers at the minute, let’s see how it goes.“If offers come on the table, day by day, let’s see how it goes.” Carlos Prates’ recent fightsPrates is currently ranked No.2 in the UFC welterweight rankings behind Ian Garry – the only man to have beaten the Brazilian during his explosive stint with MMA’s premier promotion.Outside of his unanimous decision loss to Garry in April 2025, Prates has knocked out his seven other opponents.The 32-year-old is currently riding a three-fight winning streak, having dispatched Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena inside the distance.