Conor McGregor Releases First Video Message on 38th Birthday After UFC 329 Disappointment

UFC superstar Conor McGregor flexes off new energy drink brand while confirming final fight in first public appearance since UFC 329.

Conor McGregor Releases First Video Message on 38th Birthday After UFC 329 Disappointment

Conor McGregor at UFC 329 ( Sky Sports)

Conor McGregor remains one of combat sports’ biggest names despite his last UFC victory coming in 2020. His career suffered another setback at UFC 329, when he lost via injury to Max Holloway. McGregor has not revealed specific details about the surgery he requires following the defeat. However, the Irish superstar appeared in high spirits in a recently released video following his UFC 329 loss.

McGregor returned at UFC 329 after a five-year absence, renewing his rivalry with Holloway nearly 13 years after their first meeting in 2013. The Irishman suffered a leg injury late in the opening round after an exchange, leaving him unable to continue before the second round began. Holloway was awarded the victory by first-round TKO through the doctor’s stoppage, extending McGregor’s difficult run.

McGregor never fully disclosed the exact nature of his injury following the UFC 329 defeat or confirmed the required procedure. He skipped the official result announcement and post-fight Octagon interview, leaving the arena. Days later, on his 38th birthday, McGregor appeared alongside Dee Devlin to promote Mac Energy, while confirming that he plans to undergo surgery and return as soon as possible.

We’ll be back. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let’s go

Conor McGregor via Instagram

Dee Devlin has remained a constant presence throughout McGregor’s fighting career and personal life. The couple has been together for more than 17 years, dating long before his UFC rise. She has stood beside the Irish UFC star through championship success, defeats, injuries, and numerous controversies.

McGregor and Devlin married in Vatican City during a private ceremony in December 2025 after years together. The wedding followed their long engagement and came after they welcomed four children. Their marriage marked another milestone in one of combat sports’ longest-standing relationships.

McGregor confirmed he will undergo knee surgery in the coming weeks before starting rehabilitation. The former champion also vowed to return and complete the final fight on his current UFC contract. His latest update underlined his determination to resume competing despite another major injury setback.

McGregor also addressed speculation about his condition before UFC 329, insisting he entered the fight without any pre-existing injury. He maintained that the injury occurred during the bout after completing a full training camp. The clarification followed widespread discussion surrounding his stoppage loss.

Conor McGregor’s immediate focus remains surgery and recovery before any UFC return can be considered. In recent years, he has embraced family life while speaking openly about his Christian faith and spirituality. Whether the ‘Notorious One’ completes the final fight on his contract remains to be seen.

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Conor McGregor’s confidence has remained a defining part of his UFC success throughout his career. The former two-division champion built his famous “Mystic Mac” persona through several fight predictions. Those bold calls became his trademark and helped make McGregor one of combat sports’ biggest stars.

McGregor carried that same confidence into UFC 329, repeatedly insisting he was prepared to deliver another memorable performance against Max Holloway. He maintained he was in his prime despite returning from a lengthy layoff and backed himself to produce a vintage display.

Conor McGregor at UFC 329
Conor McGregor at UFC 329 (via MMA Fighting)

Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown initially believed Holloway would not present major problems for McGregor’s style. He expected the Irishman to exploit openings in the Hawaiian star’s game. After the loss, Brown suggested McGregor lacked the confidence that once defined his greatest performances.

The reason that happened, I think Conor was nervous. I don’t think he looked 100 percent himself. A lot of people have talked about that. I’m not one judge to body language too much, because I’ve made the mistake where you judge body language and then they perform great. I don’t think that’s necessarily the best way to look at it, but he’s always been a man of very, very high confidence, and he lived up to that, to what he always said he was going to do, for so long.

Matt Brown via The Fighter vs The Writer podcast

Brown spent much of his UFC career competing at welterweight against many of the division’s top contenders. McGregor has fought at 170 pounds before but spent most of his UFC career in lighter divisions. Whether another comeback restores his trademark confidence remains uncertain.

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