Conor McGregor has finally provided a detailed update on the devastating injury that cut short his long-awaited UFC comeback against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
Earlier this month, Conor McGregor returned to the Octagon for the first time in five years, stepping into a highly anticipated rematch with Holloway. However, the former two-division UFC champion saw his comeback unravel almost immediately when he suffered a serious knee injury while throwing a jumping switch kick just moments into the fight.
The injury forced McGregor out of the contest after only 69 seconds, ending what was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
On Sunday, Conor McGregor confirmed the extent of the damage and revealed that he suffered tears to both his ACL and meniscus. Despite the setback, the Irish superstar remains optimistic about returning to action sooner rather than later.
“Update: It was ACL and meniscus. It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking.
“I returned to competition within 9 months to fight Diego Brandao back then. With today’s regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods, it is well within my realm to return by next summer.
“I am walking without a crutch. I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive.
“I am maximum discipline and have maintained it fully since the bout. I wonder was I saved from something worse here. I believe so. I would have attended the after party as ‘the man’ and who knows then. I believe I was saved.Thank you God! On we go, no sad stories. Thank you for the support and well wishes everyone, your health is your wealth.”
The revelation carries an eerie similarity to Conor McGregor’s first meeting with Holloway back in 2013. During that bout, McGregor injured his left knee and required surgery, sidelining him for nearly a year before returning to face Diego Brandao.
If his recovery follows a similar timeline, McGregor could potentially make his return by the summer of 2027.
The latest injury marks another frustrating chapter in a career that has been plagued by setbacks in recent years. Before UFC 329, Conor McGregor had not competed since suffering a gruesome leg break against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
Despite the lengthy layoff, McGregor had hoped to remain active after his comeback and had even discussed fighting again before the end of the year. Those plans now appear unlikely as he prepares for surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process.
