Conor McGregor will finally return to the octagon to once again face Max Holloway in one of the most surreal and mediatic comebacks that the UFC has ever experienced.
The news marks the end of a completely chaotic decade in the Irishman's life. Since that first fight against Holloway in 2013, McGregor went from becoming the biggest star in the history of MMA to starring in years marked by constant controversies, legal problems, rumors about substance use, accusations of steroid use, public scandals and an almost total disconnection with competition.
And even so, he is still Conor McGregor.
Because even after years without competing at the highest level, his return continues to generate more attention than practically any other fight in the sport.
The rivalry with Holloway also has a huge historical component. The two first faced each other when they were still young featherweight prospects. In that fight, McGregor defeated the Hawaiian by unanimous decision in a fight where he already showed part of the striking that would end up making him world champion.
A lot has changed since then.
Holloway ended up building one of the best careers in featherweight history, becoming champion and accumulating memorable wars against some of the biggest names in modern UFC.
McGregor, on the other hand, became a global phenomenon impossible to compare to any other fighter in MMA. Simultaneous champion in two divisions, record events, millions generated and a fame that ended up completely transcending the sport.
But that same fame ended up being accompanied by a constant public fall.
During the last few years, the Irishman has been continuously surrounded by controversies. Out-of-competition fights, incidents in bars, legal problems, accusations of assault, erratic behavior on social networks and constant rumors about drug and steroid use marked much of his time away from the octagon.
Added to that was the very serious injury suffered against Dustin Poirier, which left many doubts about whether he would really compete again.
However, in recent months McGregor began to slightly change the discourse. His public appearances began to take on a different tone, talking more about discipline, spirituality and even assuring that he had "found God again" after the darkest years of his life.
Now, with the return confirmed against Holloway, the feeling inside the MMA is a constant mix of nostalgia, disbelief and absolute expectation.
Because no one really knows which version of McGregor will appear when he closes the door of the octagon again.
Physically, the Irishman has changed a lot since that first fight. His current body is a far cry from the featherweight fighter who defeated Holloway more than a decade ago. The increase in muscle mass, years of inactivity and wear and tear outside the sport generate huge unknowns about his performance.
And in front of him he will have precisely the worst possible opponent to return comfortably.
Max Holloway continues to be one of the toughest, toughest and most dangerous fighters in the entire UFC. His volume, cardio and ability to absorb punishment make him a nightmare for anyone.
That's why this fight is so morbid.
It's not just a comeback.
It's the clash between two completely opposite careers.
While Holloway continued to evolve within the elite during all these years, McGregor seemed to be getting lost further and further away from the sport that made him a world star.
Now the two will cross paths again more than ten years later.
And probably never before have there been so many doubts around Conor McGregor.