LAS VEGAS — Conor McGregor’s comeback has once again been put on hold. One day after suffering a devastating knee injury just 69 seconds into his UFC 329 main event against Max Holloway, the former two-division UFC champion confirmed he will undergo surgery and is determined to fight again.
Although McGregor stopped short of officially identifying the injury as a torn ACL, his announcement all but confirmed a lengthy rehabilitation lies ahead. McGregor shared the update Sunday in a lengthy Instagram post centered on his faith, recovery, and determination to return to competition.
The Irish superstar outlined the next steps in his rehabilitation.
“Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God!”
McGregor added that he remains committed to completing the final fight remaining on his current UFC contract.
Leaning on Faith
Much of McGregor’s message focused on his renewed spiritual outlook following the heartbreaking injury. He described his faith as unwavering despite another major setback in his fighting career.
“My faith is unconditional and I am thankful I get to prove it.”
He also wrote:
“I am not a victim of my circumstances, I overcome them.”
Throughout the post, McGregor repeatedly referenced his belief that God will guide him through another difficult recovery.
Another Crushing Injury
Saturday’s injury occurred almost immediately after the opening bell of McGregor’s long-awaited rematch with Max Holloway. Attempting a jumping kick just seconds into the fight, McGregor landed awkwardly before his right knee buckled underneath him. Unable to stand without pain, the fight was stopped after just 69 seconds, handing Holloway a TKO victory.
Following the event, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that promotion doctors believed McGregor had likely suffered a torn ACL, though official medical confirmation has yet to be released.
The latest injury continues an unfortunate pattern for McGregor. His previous appearance inside the Octagon ended with a gruesome broken leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
That injury sidelined him for five years before his long-awaited return at UFC 329. McGregor also saw another comeback delayed when he withdrew from his scheduled UFC 303 bout against Michael Chandler in June 2024 after breaking his pinky toe during training. Now another rehabilitation process begins.
One More Fight
Despite the latest setback, retirement doesn’t appear to be part of McGregor’s plans. Instead, the 37-year-old remains focused on completing what he says will be the final fight of his current UFC agreement.
Whether that opportunity comes in 2027 or later will largely depend on the outcome of his upcoming surgery and recovery. For now, McGregor’s attention has shifted from fighting opponents to overcoming yet another serious injury.
His comeback has been delayed once again but according to McGregor, it isn’t over. “Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God.”
Conor McGregor Breaks Silence After Devastating UFC 329 Injury: “I Can Only Describe It as Hell”
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
