Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return ended in stunningly quick fashion at UFC 329, as he suffered an apparent knee injury and a 69-second defeat to Max Holloway in the main event.
Fighting for the first time in five years, McGregor rushed to the center of the cage at the opening bell and threw a leaping kick, after which he appeared to land awkwardly. The early indication from the fight is that McGregor likely injured his left knee, and Holloway soon finished the bout with punches on the canvas.
Afterward, McGregor posted on social media that he was stunned by how the night unfolded. “I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened,” McGregor wrote. In a longer statement, he added, “The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow.
I will overcome this.I will not be deterred.I will return.”
McGregor previously broke his leg in a trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier five years earlier. He has one fight left on his UFC deal, with a pre-arranged bout planned for April to close out his contract.
