Conor McGregor Confirms Knee Surgery After UFC 329 Injury and Vows to Return for Final Fight

Irish superstar Conor McGregor reveals extent of injury after disappointing return against Max Holloway at UFC 329.

Conor McGregor Confirms Knee Surgery After UFC 329 Injury and Vows to Return for Final Fight

Conor McGregor at UFC 329 (via MMA Fighting)

Conor McGregor‘s long-awaited UFC return generated huge excitement at UFC 329 after a five-year layoff. The Irish superstar received loud cheers during his walkout inside T-Mobile Arena. However, the comeback unraveled instantly after McGregor suffered a serious knee injury in the opening seconds. The disappointing ending overshadowed the event, with McGregor now revealing the extent of the damage.

McGregor headlined UFC 329 against Max Holloway in his first fight since UFC 264 in 2021. He opened aggressively with a jumping kick but landed awkwardly, suffering a serious right knee injury almost immediately. McGregor twice lost his footing before referee Mike Beltran halted the contest at 1:09, awarding Holloway a first-round TKO victory and ending the Irishman’s comeback in heartbreak.

The severity of the injury remained unclear after the stoppage. McGregor limped from the Octagon in visible discomfort as boos echoed throughout T-Mobile Arena. Earlier backstage footage showed him sparring comfortably and throwing kicks without apparent limitations before his walkout. However, the full extent of the injury remained unknown until McGregor recently shared a medical update.

My faith is unconditional and I am thankful I get to prove it! My lifestyle changes are permanent and not just until. I am thankful I get to prove it. I am in Sin City and remain completely devoid of all sin. I will not open that door nor crack its seal! I am already back to collecting wins! In Jesus name I pray! Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God!

Conor McGregor via Instagram

McGregor broke his silence after UFC 329, insisting the injury came without any warning during the fight. He also rejected claims that he entered the Octagon carrying an existing injury after completing training camp without issues. The Irishman described the setback as “devastating” while beginning his recovery.

The former champion’s latest messages also reflected his growing emphasis on faith and spirituality following the injury. McGregor has previously said he believed he was healed and saved after finding God. Since then, faith has become a recurring theme across his social media posts and updates.

McGregor has also revealed that a psychedelic treatment in Mexico profoundly changed his life and strengthened his faith. He said the experience convinced him to marry his longtime partner, Dee Devlin, immediately, and the couple eventually tied the knot in December 2025.

McGregor’s latest setback adds to a history of injuries throughout his UFC career. He withdrew from his scheduled UFC 303 fight against Michael Chandler after suffering a toe injury. Before UFC 329, his previous appearance came at UFC 264, where he fractured his tibia and fibula against Dustin Poirier.

Conor McGregor’s latest setback has also raised fresh questions about his fighting future. Daniel Cormier admitted another comeback will become increasingly difficult after another devastating injury. With surgery now awaiting the former two-division champion, his return to the Octagon remains uncertain.

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Bantamweight superstar reveals his reaction to Conor McGregor’s injury

Conor McGregor’s influence on MMA extends far beyond his accomplishments inside the Octagon. The former two-division UFC champion reshaped the sport’s global appeal and inspired a new generation of fighters. His success also provided many rising stars with a blueprint for building their own careers.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has long viewed McGregor as one of his biggest inspirations. O’Malley has repeatedly spoken about chasing the same superstardom the Irishman achieved. However, he has also admitted falling short of replicating McGregor’s global popularity.

Conor McGregor return statement
Conor McGregor return statement (via Reuters)

O’Malley closely followed McGregor’s UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway and reacted to the shocking outcome. The former champion watched the fight unfold before seeing McGregor suffer a knee injury and lose after 69 seconds. The moment led O’Malley to later reveal that he prayed for McGregor.

I said a prayer last night, I said God help brother Conor out. I don’t pray. I said want Conor to get through this.

Sean O’Malley via his YouTube channel

O’Malley’s reaction highlighted Conor McGregor’s impact on his career and mindset. The former champion admitted he became too focused on chasing The Notorious One’s superstardom rather than on himself. Despite falling short, ‘Suga’ continues to recognize the Irishman’s influence on his journey.

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