It might be all over for Conor McGregor
Mystic Mac’s highly anticipated return to the Octagon in UFC 329 against the always‑exciting Max Holloway didn’t even last half a round after it was stopped due to an injury sustained by the one‑time two‑division titleholder.
McGregor, who last fought in 2021, tried to start with a bang, leading off with a flying left kick that fell way short of Holloway. The Irishman then landed awkwardly on his right leg, with his knee noticeably buckling on the landing.
While he got up, McGregor fell over a couple of times, including once while attempting a punch. His right knee also buckled again while he feigned an upkick, eventually prompting the stoppage.
The fight was officially waived off at one minute, nine seconds in the very first round, with Holloway declared the winner by TKO.
“When I saw him hurt, I was like, ‘Man, come on. Call this.’ He was done, you know?” Holloway said. “I just [wish] him a speedy recovery.”
McGregor ‘Destroyed’ After Injury
The UFC’s first double champ immediately exited the Octagon and scampered out of T‑Mobile Arena without doing the customary post‑fight presser. Later, he took to social media to air his frustration at what happened.
“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury/injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell,” McGregor wrote on X.
Incidentally, McGregor was also injured the last time he exited the Octagon five years ago after he broke his left tibia attempting a leg kick on rival Dustin Poirier. The Irishman is now potentially facing another lengthy layoff, as Dana White and his team suspect that one of the sport’s biggest stars may have ruptured his right ACL.
And, at 37, with a history of career‑threatening injuries, legal disputes, and unpredictable, sometimes volatile behavior, it seems likely that Conor McGregor has reached the end of the road in his fighting career.
If it is, it was one hell of a ride.
