Conor McGregor suffered a knee injury 69 seconds into his UFC 329 bout against Max Holloway in Las Vegas, forcing the 37-year-old to abandon the fight. UFC CEO Dana White stated the organization is assuming a blown ACL, noting that doctors shared this assessment after McGregor landed awkwardly on his right knee during a left roundhouse kick.
McGregor Injury Ends UFC 329 Return
The fight marked McGregor’s first appearance in the Octagon in over five years. After the initial kick caused the injury, McGregor attempted to strike Holloway two more times before it became clear he could not complete the five-round welterweight contest.
Dana White expressed surprise at the quick finish, stating, “I was expecting at least a one-round war.” White noted the uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s cardio and capabilities following a five-year layoff.
Did you know? This bout was a rematch of a 2013 featherweight fight, which McGregor won by unanimous decision.
Medical History and the “Comeback of All Comebacks”
McGregor described this return as “the comeback of all comebacks in sports history.” However, his path back to the UFC was stalled by a 2021 injury where he broke his left leg during a loss to Dustin Poirier. His last successful outing was a 40-second win over Donald Cerrone in January 2020.
Following the UFC 329 incident, McGregor took to social media to deny any pre-existing injuries. He claimed he was “throwing kicks, planted and jumping” throughout his training camp and backstage. “This came out of nowhere,” McGregor wrote, describing the experience as “hell.”
Comparing the 2013 and 2024 Encounters
| Detail | 2013 Bout | UFC 329 Bout |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | Featherweight | Welterweight |
| Result | McGregor (Unanimous Decision) | Holloway (Injury Stoppage) |
| Duration | Full Fight | 69 Seconds |
Max Holloway Reaction and Market Stakes
Max Holloway (28-9-0) reacted to the abrupt end with a mix of sarcasm and disappointment. “I had him weak in the knees I guess,” Holloway said, adding that the “so much hype” made the ending feel unsatisfying. Holloway called for the UFC to “run it back one more time.”
McGregor entered the fight as the betting underdog. This shift in market perception contrasts with his peak in 2016, when he became the first to hold two titles simultaneously at different weights. His commercial reach peaked further in 2017, reportedly earning over $100m after a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Off-Octagon Factors and Career Trajectory
The five-year gap in McGregor’s fighting career was not spent solely on recovery. He was involved in multiple lawsuits and aligned himself with hard-right political figures during an aborted run for the presidency of Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Conor McGregor at UFC 329?
McGregor suffered a knee injury, suspected to be a blown ACL, 69 seconds into the first round after landing a left roundhouse kick awkwardly.
Who did Conor McGregor fight at UFC 329?
He fought Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch of their 2013 encounter.
How long had McGregor been away from the UFC?
McGregor had not fought for five years and one day prior to the Saturday night bout.
What was the result of the fight?
The fight ended prematurely due to McGregor’s injury, resulting in a victory for Max Holloway.
What do you think about McGregor’s ability to return to the Octagon after another major injury? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest MMA medical updates.
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