Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated UFC return appears to be getting an added touch of flair, with the former two-division champion seemingly unveiling a fresh custom look ahead of his comeback. For the unversed, McGregor is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC 329, where he will face Max Holloway in a five-round welterweight bout during International Fight Week.
The matchup marks the Irishman’s first appearance since suffering a devastating leg injury in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. As the countdown to his return continues, McGregor appears to have become the latest star to receive a customized pair of Venum fighter shorts. While the UFC’s Zuffa era was known for allowing fighters to showcase individual sponsors and unique designs on their fight gear, the modern uniform policy has largely standardized fighter attire.
Nevertheless, UFC apparel partner Venum has gradually introduced signature designs for some of the promotion’s biggest stars, adding a personal touch to the fight kits. After completing a busy week of media appearances in New York City, McGregor traveled to California to put the finishing touches on his training camp before heading to Las Vegas.
The former champion has assembled a specialized team for the final stretch of preparation, including longtime boxing coach Phil Sutcliffe and several trusted training partners. Recently, McGregor shared photos from sparring sessions with former The Ultimate Fighter 31 contestant Lee Hammond and ex-PFL fighter Nahom Wedi. However, it was not just the training footage that caught fans’ attention. Many were quick to notice that McGregor was sporting what appeared to be a new pair of custom Venum “Money” shorts.
Conor McGregor is seen in custom UFC money shorts while training for his fight next month 💰
Imagine if he wears these in his return to the Octagon against Max Holloway 👀
(📸 @thenotoriousmma) pic.twitter.com/3pLpt8S2T8
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 27, 2026
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Recently, McGregor has favored all-green fight shorts as a tribute to his Irish heritage. This latest design appears to retain that signature color scheme while incorporating money-themed graphics throughout, creating a look that feels fitting for one of the biggest draws in combat sports history. The nickname and design are particularly appropriate given McGregor’s unparalleled ability to generate revenue for the UFC.
Even years removed from his last victory inside the Octagon, he remains one of the promotion’s most lucrative attractions. McGregor has headlined eight of the ten highest-grossing pay-per-view events in UFC history, including UFC 229, UFC 257, and UFC 264, which reportedly generated approximately 2.4 million, 1.6 million, and 1.8 million pay-per-view buys, respectively. He has also headlined eight separate UFC events that surpassed the one-million-buy threshold.
Moreover, Venum has become increasingly creative with its designs for the UFC’s biggest stars, using custom fight kits to help showcase each athlete’s personality, heritage, and brand. Since 2023, the UFC and Venum have moved away from the rigid uniformity that initially accompanied the outfitting deal and embraced the highly popular “UFC Unrivaled” custom shorts program.
Among the most memorable designs were Max Holloway’s custom floral Hawaiian-print shorts at UFC 300, which perfectly complemented his “Blessed” persona and were immortalized during his unforgettable BMF title-winning knockout. Alex Pereira also received distinctive tribal-inspired designs that paid tribute to his indigenous Pataxó heritage, typically featuring striking red, black, and yellow accents.
Two legends. Two styles. 🔥😮💨 Get your UFC Unrivaled by Venum custom fight shorts at https://t.co/4q3VlizreZ today! #UFC318 pic.twitter.com/szdd0jxIGB
— UFC Store (@ufcstore) July 16, 2025
Jon Jones followed suit at UFC 309 with custom red, black, and gold shorts highlighted by two lion heads meeting in the center, a nod to both his faith and his reputation as the “King of the Jungle.” Other stars have also received personalized touches. Ilia Topuria’s custom shorts incorporated elements of both his Spanish and Georgian roots while fitting seamlessly with his “El Matador” image.
Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler were outfitted with patriotic American-themed designs featuring stars and stripes, reflecting their all-action fighting styles and national pride. With McGregor now seemingly joining that exclusive group, the move feels particularly appropriate.
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