Conor McGregor has issued an update on the horrific injury he suffered during his UFC return against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The Irishman revealed he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in the bout, which ended via TKO just 69 seconds into the first round.
Same Injury, Opposite Leg
McGregor, 38, returned to the Octagon after a five-year absence, having broken his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. In the rematch with Holloway at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, McGregor injured his leg while attempting aggressive kicks early in the fight. He crashed to the canvas repeatedly, allowing Holloway to land punches for the TKO victory.
In a social media post, McGregor wrote: “It was ACL and meniscus. It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking.” In their first bout in 2013, McGregor suffered the same ACL rupture but fought through to win by unanimous decision.
Optimistic Recovery Timeline
Despite the severity, McGregor expressed confidence in a swift return. “I returned to competition within 9 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,” he said. He added that he is already walking without a crutch and has performed leg extension machine work without issue.
McGregor also reflected on the injury philosophically: “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. Thank you God! On we go, no sad stories.”
Rematch Call and No-Contest Request
Following the loss, McGregor called for the bout to be ruled a no-contest due to the injury, as he seeks a rematch with Holloway. The first fight, which McGregor won, took place 13 years ago. The Irishman has maintained full discipline since the bout and remains focused on recovery.
