Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return ended in heartbreak at UFC 329, and questions are already surrounding the severity of the injury that stopped the fight.
The former UFC champion suffered a devastating knee injury just moments into his rematch with Max Holloway at T-Mobile Arena. After throwing a jumping kick to start the contest, McGregor landed awkwardly and immediately appeared to be in trouble. The bout was stopped shortly afterward, bringing an abrupt end to his comeback after five years away from competition.
McGregor leaves arena seeking medical treatment
Following the loss, McGregor wasted little time heading for further evaluation.
The Irish star was assisted out of the Octagon by members of his team before making his way out of the arena. According to UFC CEO Dana White, McGregor even declined the use of crutches despite struggling to walk after the injury.
While an official diagnosis has yet to be confirmed, White shared the UFC’s early assessment during the post-fight press conference.
“Five years off in this sport is rough.”
“I was expecting at least a one-round war or who knew what Conor was capable of as far as cardio or whatever else after a five year layoff.”
UFC suspects ACL injury
Medical staff are still waiting for imaging results, but White revealed that doctors believe McGregor may have suffered a torn ACL.
“We’re assuming blown ACL.”
The injury immediately raised concerns given McGregor’s history with major setbacks. In his first fight against Holloway in 2013, he fought through a torn ACL and still earned a decision victory. Since then, he has also endured the broken leg suffered in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
MRI expected to provide answers
White stopped short of making any firm predictions about McGregor’s recovery timeline and said more information will be available once testing is completed.
“We’ll find out when he gets an MRI.”
The outcome of those medical examinations could play a major role in determining McGregor’s future. The former two-division champion had already spent five years on the sidelines before returning at UFC 329, and another serious knee injury could force him into yet another lengthy absence from the sport.