Max Holloway has revealed that Conor McGregor was determined to continue fighting despite suffering a devastating knee injury just 69 seconds into their main event clash at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday night. However, Holloway admitted he pleaded with the referee to stop the fight, citing the presence of McGregor's wife Dee Devlin and their four children—Conor Jr, Rian, Mack, and Croia—sitting cageside.
Injury Ends Bout Seconds After Opening Bell
From the opening bell, McGregor immediately threw a spinning kick and landed awkwardly on his right leg, collapsing to the canvas. He managed to rise briefly but quickly tumbled again. Both fighters exchanged words before the referee waved off the contest. McGregor, 37, exited the cage for medical attention, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the severity of the injury.
Holloway, the former featherweight champion, said he noticed McGregor's demeanor had changed and was concerned about unnecessary damage. “I just hope he’s good, I know Conor’s been battling some stuff. It looked like he really been changing, he found God,” Holloway said. “He had his kids in there, so during the fight, you could obviously tell his demeanour changed and I was – shout out to the ref – I was trying to tell the ref sooner.”
McGregor's Refusal to Quit
Despite the injury, McGregor urged Holloway to continue. “I was like, ‘This guy’s kids is front row, I don’t want to see him take unnecessary damage, try to stop the fight.’ But this is how crazy Conor is. The first time he’s on the ground, I’m punching him, he’s like, ‘Fight, fight.’ I was like, ‘OK.’ That’s why I backed up. I said, ‘Stand up then. Let’s fight. And then he fell back down and then the fight was called,” Holloway recounted.
McGregor Vows Return After Shock Defeat
In the aftermath, McGregor took to social media to address speculation that he entered the fight injured. “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. 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,” he wrote.
Holloway Open to Third Fight in 2027
Amid calls for McGregor to retire, Holloway expressed willingness to face him for a third time. “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. This different world he was talking about. I want to see what his injury is first, but I then want to come back again in 2027. I will take some time to have a break to see my family, and then you guys will see Blessed return in 2027,” Holloway stated.
