Conor McGregor has vowed to return to the octagon after his comeback fight ended in disaster, lasting only 69 seconds before a knee injury forced a stoppage against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The former two-weight champion, who had not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, appeared to hurt his knee while throwing a kick early in the first round.
McGregor's Devastating Injury and Immediate Reaction
McGregor opened the fight aggressively, rushing at Holloway with a kick, but landed awkwardly on his right knee. Despite attempting to continue, the referee called a halt at one minute and nine seconds. In a social media post, McGregor insisted he was fully fit beforehand: “I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened. The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place.”
He added, “The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow. I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return.”
Holloway Open to Third Fight
Max Holloway, who defeated McGregor for the second time, expressed willingness for a third bout. “After turning around so fast for this fight in March, it's been fast. But I'd love to see this Conor 170lb domain that he was talking about. I want to see what his injury is first, but I then want to come back again in 2027,” Holloway said. He also noted he would take time to rest before returning in 2027.
McGregor's Post-Fight Statement
Leaving the arena immediately after the fight, McGregor told reporters: “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”
