Conor McGregor’s comeback ends in injury at UFC 329
Conor McGregor’s long-anticipated return to the octagon ended in devastating fashion on Saturday night, lasting merely 69 seconds before referee Mike Beltran halted proceedings at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, reports BritPanorama.
The Irish fighter, absent from competition for five years, attempted an ambitious jumping roundhouse kick in the opening moments against Max Holloway but landed awkwardly on his right leg, causing his knee to give way immediately. Despite attempting to continue, McGregor repeatedly collapsed to the canvas, unable to maintain his balance.
Holloway was awarded the TKO victory as the former two-division champion’s comeback crumbled before it truly began. Footage from the event showed McGregor appearing unsteady while removing his footwear before the fight, which fueled speculation regarding a pre-existing condition.
Following the loss, McGregor addressed the situation on social media, declaring, “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed.” He dismissed mounting speculation that he entered the bout with an injury, stating, “I had no injury/injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp.” The former champion expressed his emotional turmoil, describing his feelings as “beyond dark,” further asserting that this came out of nowhere.
UFC president Dana White expressed concern about McGregor’s injury, revealing fears of potential damage to his anterior cruciate ligament. McGregor has a history with ACL injuries, having torn the ligament in his left knee during his initial encounter with Holloway back in 2013; on that occasion, he still secured a decision victory despite the damage.
The fighter will require further medical examination to determine the full extent of the injury to his right knee. However, approaching his 38th birthday, McGregor faces a potentially prolonged recovery period following this latest setback. His last bout, in 2021 against Dustin Poirier, ended dramatically with a broken leg.
Whether another comeback remains possible is uncertain.
