McGregor's Injury Exit
Conor McGregor's Highly Anticipated UFC 329 Return Cut Short by First-Round Knee Injury
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Conor McGregor's highly anticipated UFC comeback lasted just 1 minute and 9 seconds. The Irish fighter went down with a knee injury in the first round of his welterweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329, ending a return that fans had waited more than five years to see. NBC New York reported that the injury is believed to be a blown ACL.
Holloway had entered the fight as a heavy favorite. Bet MGM Sportsbook listed him at -300, meaning bettors had to risk $300 just to win $100. The short, painful night only deepened questions about whether McGregor's best days in the octagon are behind him.
One Awkward Landing Ends McGregor's Night
The fight was barely a minute old when things went wrong. McGregor landed awkwardly and immediately showed signs of distress. The stoppage came at 1:09 of round one. It was not a knockout or a submission — just a body that gave out too soon. NBC Philadelphia reported the injury is believed to be a torn ACL, the same type of knee injury that ended his last fight in July 2021.
McGregor had not competed in over five years before Saturday night. The long layoff, combined with the severity of a possible ACL tear, raises serious doubts about his future in the sport. He is 36 years old. Recovery from an ACL injury typically takes 9 to 12 months, even for elite athletes.
Holloway Wins, McGregor's Return Ends in Controversy
Max Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion, was already the heavy betting favorite going into the night. At -300, oddsmakers gave McGregor little chance. But the fight ended before Holloway could truly show what he had. The result was declared a no-contest due to the injury, according to NBC Los Angeles.
The outcome left many fans and observers frustrated. McGregor's return had been one of the most-hyped events in UFC history. A packed arena and massive pay-per-view audience tuned in for a fight that lasted less than 70 seconds. UFC President Dana White addressed the crowd after the stoppage, according to NBC New York.
Pimblett and Bautista Deliver on the Same Card
While the main event disappointed, other fighters delivered. Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett scored a first-round TKO over Benoit Saint Denis. Pimblett is a fan favorite known for his aggressive style and quick finishes. The win keeps him in the conversation for a future title shot, according to NBC Bay Area.
In a bantamweight showdown, Mario Bautista defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision. Sandhagen was considered one of the toughest opponents in the division. Bautista's clean, consistent performance earned all three judges' scorecards. The win puts Bautista firmly in the title picture at 135 pounds, according to NBC Washington.
What Comes Next for McGregor After Another Setback
McGregor now faces another long road back. If the ACL diagnosis is confirmed, surgery and rehab would push any potential return well into 2026 at the earliest. He has already missed four-plus years due to injury and legal issues. Another extended absence could effectively end his career at the top level, according to NBC Miami.
McGregor remains one of the biggest names in combat sports. His fights still draw massive audiences and big pay-per-view numbers. But at 36, with repeated injuries piling up, the gap between his star power and his in-cage performance keeps growing. Saturday night did nothing to close that gap.
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