Conor McGregor's long-awaited UFC return ended in disaster on Saturday night when he suffered a leg injury just seconds into his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The former two-division champion, who had not fought in five years, threw a spinning kick at the opening bell but landed awkwardly on his right leg, slipping to the canvas before the referee waved off the contest.
Paddy Pimblett's Brutal Assessment
Minutes after the fight, Paddy Pimblett, who had just choked out Benoit Saint Denis in under a minute in the co-main event, rushed backstage to watch McGregor's return. He offered a harsh verdict: "Oh my god, McGregor's done already? He's finished, the new boy is in town. I can become the face of the organisation now."
McGregor, who turns 38 next week, broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. This latest injury raises questions about his future in the sport. Holloway, however, called for a trilogy fight. "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 UFC commentator Joe Rogan. "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."
Pimblett's Rise and Future Plans
Despite the unfortunate ending, the night belonged to Pimblett, who put the division on notice. After Saint Denis threw a wild low kick, Pimblett grabbed hold of the Frenchman, took the fight to the canvas, and choked him unconscious. Speaking after the fight, Pimblett said: "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 added: "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."
McGregor has not won a fight since knocking out Donald Cerrone in under a minute six years ago and appeared a shadow of his former self against Holloway. His return, which generated massive hype, may be the last time fans see the Irishman in the cage.
