McGregor’s long-awaited comeback ends with injury: What happened at UFC 329

Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the Octagon after a five-year hiatus ended in immediate heartbreak at UFC 329 when a serious leg injury forced a first-round stoppage against Max Holloway.

The Irish superstar has since made her first appearance in the competition broke his tibia and fibula against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, he suffered what appeared to be a catastrophic knee or lower leg injury just seconds into the main event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The official stoppage came just one minute and nine seconds into the first round, stunning the Las Vegas crowd and casting serious doubt over the 37-year-old’s future in mixed martial arts.

The contest, a rematch 13 years in the making after McGregor’s 2013 unanimous decision victory over Holloway, began with characteristic theatrics. Sporting a new Mohawk and emerging from a wall of smoke, McGregor looked physically imposing and brimming with his trademark confidence. However, the courage dissipated almost immediately after opening the corner.

Looking to make an aggressive statement, McGregor lunged across the canvas and unleashed a jumping kick. When his right leg struck his opponent, the former two-division champion landed awkwardly, his knee visibly buckling under his weight. McGregor refused to back down and moments later attempted a second punch but immediately collapsed to the canvas. Conor McGregor lost in Las Vegas comeback (Photo Reuters)

Taking advantage of the sudden opening, Holloway surrendered and landed a flurry of heavy right hands on his compromised rival. Showing immense sportsmanship, the veteran featherweight stepped back for a moment and visibly looked at the official when it became clear that McGregor could no longer stand. McGregor bravely managed to get to his feet, but his right leg collapsed again under the slightest pressure. Realizing that he could no longer fight back, referee Mike Beltran stepped in, waved off the bout and awarded Holloway the TKO victory.

Initial medical reports from the arena indicate a potential torn ligament, a devastating blow for a fighter who has spent years in grueling rehabilitation to recover from his previous broken bones. While the official details of the purse remain unconfirmed, industry insiders estimate that McGregor was guaranteed a base salary of fifteen million dollars per showcase. For an athlete defined by his competitive legacy, however, financial compensation after such a hollow finish will offer little comfort.

With Holloway extending his stellar record and cementing his position at the top of the sport, the mixed martial arts community is left to ponder the finality of McGregor’s golden era.

– The end

Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

Jul 12, 2026 09:48 IST