Conor McGregor has been backed to fight again despite tearing his ACL against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The 38-year-old Irishman ended a five-year hiatus on July 21, 2026, but his comeback lasted just 69 seconds before he suffered a knee injury that led to a TKO loss. Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has expressed confidence that McGregor will return to the Octagon.
Details of the Injury
McGregor revealed via social media that he tore his ACL and damaged his meniscus, the same injury he suffered in his first fight against Holloway, but on the opposite leg. He is already walking without a crutch and has resumed leg extension machine work. He stated, "It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking."
McGregor added that he plans to return by next summer, citing advances in regenerative medicine and improved training methods. He noted, "I returned to competition within nine months to fight Diego Brandao back then. With today's regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods it is well within my realm to return by next summer."
Cruz's Support
Dominick Cruz, speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, said: "He has the physical therapy at the performance institute, he has all the best doctors and money in the world now. I think he's going to stay in the testing pool this time. ... With all the access to the things he has, he absolutely can come back."
Cruz also highlighted the narrative of a comeback: "Everybody wants a comeback story so no matter what anybody says they're going to watch because everybody loves a comeback story and he's entertaining so the build-up to that will be great."
McGregor's Reflection
In his social media update, McGregor expressed a philosophical view: "I wonder was I saved from something worse here. I believe so. I would have attended the after party as 'the man' and who knows then. I believe I was saved." He also stated he is at "maximum discipline" and has maintained it fully since the bout.
Despite criticism from fans after UFC 329, McGregor remains convinced of another comeback. Cruz echoed this sentiment: "I think that feeling he had that night (at UFC 329) will resonate with him, he's going to hold on to it tight and get through and use it to get through this rehab."
