Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the Octagon ended in disaster as the Irishman suffered a leg injury just 69 seconds into his UFC comeback fight against Max Holloway. The former two-division champion was stepping back into the cage for the first time in five years following his leg break against Dustin Poirier, but his night ended abruptly after landing awkwardly on his right leg.
Suspected Torn Ligaments
McGregor suffered suspected torn ligaments in his knee, according to medical reports. As he charged towards the centre of the Octagon with his legendary walkout track reverberating around the arena, many sensed something was amiss. Even as he climbed the steps to the cage, there appeared to be signs of trouble on McGregor's right side, with the fighter visibly wincing before launching into his trademark 'billi strut'.
Holloway Calls for Trilogy
Holloway, unbothered by the magnitude of the moment, stayed completely focused. However, the bout ended in an instant after McGregor charged towards the centre of the cage and immediately attempted an unsuccessful spinning kick, landing somewhat awkwardly on his right leg. The 37-year-old stumbled several times, with Holloway seemingly hesitant to grapple on the mat, gesturing for the referee to bring the 'Notorious' back to his feet. When McGregor eventually returned upright, something appeared wrong as he limped back into his fighting position before a quick shake of the head prompted the referee to intervene.
Holloway demonstrated his class following the bout, showing respect to a dejected McGregor, but called for a trilogy with the Irishman after feeling somewhat unsatisfied with the victory. "Let's give it up for Connor [McGregor], what an absolute animal. You guys are lucky because there is going to be a Holloway v McGregor three now. Let's get that money," he told Joe Rogan after the fight. "It is what it is. I'll sit down with the UFC. There was so much hype for that. We have to run it back one more time. We need one more. I was looking forward to this. I was working hard to get to 170 [lbs] and fight this guy. For it to end like this, it sucks."
Future Uncertain
While Holloway pushed for a third meeting with the 'Notorious', if McGregor has indeed sustained an ACL tear or another serious leg injury, it could be well over a year before he returns to training. With the Dubliner turning 38 in a matter of days, many are questioning whether they have witnessed the UFC icon's final Octagon appearance.
Co-Main Event: Pimblett Submits Saint-Denis
In the co-main event, Paddy Pimblett sent a warning to the lightweight division after submitting Benoit Saint-Denis mere seconds into their bout. The French fighter threw an unsuccessful leg kick moments after the opening bell, and paid the price when Pimblett caught his opponent in a choke before forcing 'God of War' to tap out. "Sub of the year! I knew he was out. I had to say to the ref 'he's not conscious' and he had to check him. I told everyone all week, try to grab my legs and I will choke him unconscious," he said after the fight. "I'm like a spider. When I've got hold of you, you don't get out and it's as simple as that. Everyone counted me out. Everyone said I was finished because I lost to Gaethje but what now? Am I finished? Who wants it next? I'll beat Ilia [Topuria] up, I'll rematch Justin [Gaethje], I'll fight Conor [McGregor] or Max [Holloway] next. Give me everyone and I'll punch their head in."
Other Main Card Results
Also on the main card, Brit Lone'er Kavanagh saw his flyweight title ambitions suffer a setback when he was submitted by Brandon Royval in a captivating encounter. Kavanagh lost the opening round but stormed back in the second, only for Royval to take his back in the third, ultimately forcing Kavanagh to tap to a rear-naked choke. Earlier, Pimblett's teammate Luken Riley improved to 14-0 with a devastating first-round finish of Kai Kamaka III. A crisp right hand sent Kamaka crashing to the canvas and although he scrambled back to his feet, the referee called a halt to proceedings after another flurry of strikes from the Englishman. King Green kicked off the main card with a last-gasp first round stoppage of Terrance McKinney, who had controlled the opening session. Green floored his opponent with seconds left on the clock and the bout was waved off following a final onslaught.
