Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the Octagon lasted barely a minute before disaster struck. Rather than completing the comeback fans had waited years to see, the former two-division UFC champion suffered a devastating knee injury just 69 seconds into his UFC 329 clash with Max Holloway, leaving his fighting future more uncertain than ever. Still, the Irish superstar has already announced his return.
McGregor eyes International Fight Week 2027 return
McGregor’s comeback against Holloway lasted only 69 seconds before the injury forced the fight to an abrupt end. Medical evaluations later confirmed that he tore both his ACL and meniscus, sidelining him for approximately one year.
Before UFC 329, McGregor had already revealed that another bout was lined up for April 2027. With the lengthy recovery now ahead of him, those plans have shifted, and he is instead targeting International Fight Week in July 2027.
The Irish star fueled retirement talk with a brief message on Instagram.
“What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset. IFW 2027 The Last Dance.”
Final fight or another chapter?
With only one fight left on his current UFC deal, McGregor’s next trip to the Octagon could also be his last. If no new deal is reached before then, he could become a free agent for the first time in his professional MMA career.
That scenario would leave several options on the table. A potential showdown with Nate Diaz under MVP MMA has been mentioned, along with possible opportunities in BKFC or even another run in professional boxing.
Whether the UFC allows one of its biggest stars to test free agency remains uncertain. By the time McGregor is ready to compete again, he will be 39 years old and looking to snap a three-fight skid. His last victory inside the Octagon came against Donald Cerrone in 2020.
For now, McGregor’s focus appears to be on recovery, with International Fight Week 2027 emerging as his new target.