Conor McGregor's highly anticipated UFC comeback ended in disaster as he suffered a brutal leg injury just seconds into his rematch with long-time rival Max Holloway. The Irishman was forced to withdraw early in the first round, handing Holloway a swift victory and a chance to avenge his defeat from 13 years ago.
Holloway Avenges 13-Year-Old Loss
Max Holloway, the Hawaiian former featherweight champion, was determined to settle the score after losing to McGregor in their first encounter in Boston in 2013. At that time, Holloway was a novice in the MMA world, but he learned valuable lessons from that defeat. He went on to become a 145lb champion and a BMF title holder, but the opportunity to finally beat McGregor was too good to pass up.
To make the fight happen, Holloway had to move up 15lb to a weight class unfamiliar to him. Despite the stipulations favoring the Irishman, Holloway shone on the biggest stage, proving McGregor's choice of opponent was a mistake.
Immediate Injury Ends Fight
The fight lasted only seconds before McGregor injured his leg, leaving him unable to continue. The exact nature of the injury was not immediately disclosed, but it marked a devastating end to McGregor's return to the octagon after a lengthy absence.
Other Main Card Results
On the same card, British flyweight Lone'er Kavanagh saw his title hopes dashed when he was submitted by Brandon Royval in a thrilling clash. Kavanagh dropped the first round but rallied in the second, only for Royval to take his back in the third and force a tap from a rear-naked choke.
Earlier, Pimblett's teammate Luken Riley moved to 14-0 with an impressive first-round stoppage of Kai Kamaka III. A straight right hand dropped Kamaka, and although he scrambled back to his feet, the referee waved off the fight after another barrage of blows from the Englishman.
King Green opened the main card with a buzzer-beating first-round stoppage of Terrance McKinney, who had dominated the opening session. Green dropped his rival with seconds remaining, and the fight was waved off after a final barrage.
