Conor McGregor Teases His UFC Swansong Amidst ACL Recovery

Irish UFC superstar Conor McGregor promises to continue his tradition of headlining International Fight Week as he aims for 2027 return.

Conor McGregor Teases His UFC Swansong Amidst ACL Recovery

Conor McGregor aiming for 2027 return (via Instagram)

A devastating knee injury abruptly ended the rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, derailing the Irishman’s comeback dream. McGregor has remained vocal about returning quickly, and he has now outlined a recovery timeline for his anticipated Octagon comeback.

UFC 329 erupted as McGregor made his long-awaited return, drawing a thunderous ovation from the Las Vegas crowd. Seconds into the fight, he landed awkwardly after attempting a jumping scissor kick, badly injuring his right knee. McGregor could not continue, giving Holloway a first-round TKO victory after just 69 seconds.

McGregor suffered multiple ligament injuries in his right knee at UFC 329, requiring surgery and rehabilitation. He repeatedly expressed his desire to return soon. Alongside his latest update, the Irish star shared a training video before his backstage walk at T-Mobile Arena and revealed a comeback timeline.

What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset. IFW 2027. The Last Dance.

Conor McGregor via Instagram

International Fight Week has produced several defining moments in McGregor’s UFC career. He defeated Chad Mendes to win the interim featherweight title at UFC 189, fought Nate Diaz in their rematch at UFC 202, and faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Those landmark events are why he wants his farewell fight during the annual celebration.

McGregor recently fueled optimism by sharing footage of his rehabilitation while insisting he intends to return next summer. UFC CEO Dana White also projected a roughly one-year recovery, putting a summer 2027 comeback within reach if rehabilitation progresses as planned.

Both McGregor and Holloway have publicly backed a trilogy when they return to the Octagon. However, Dana White has dismissed those plans, saying the promotion is not pursuing a third fight after UFC 329. That leaves McGregor’s proposed farewell bout without a confirmed opponent.

Former UFC two division champion Daniel Cormier admitted McGregor’s UFC 329 injury changed his outlook on the Irishman’s future. He noted McGregor still wants to compete but highlighted the challenges of returning after such a setback. However, ‘The Notorious One’ remains focused on making one final UFC appearance.

UFC 329 became a historic success, breaking the promotion’s live gate record with around $26 million in ticket sales at T-Mobile Arena. The event also drew 15.9 million viewers across the U.S. and Latin America, and another Conor McGregor return could create similar or bigger numbers.

RELATED
Conor McGregor Issues First Statement After UFC 329 Bitter Ending and Denies Any Prior Injuries

BKFC President reacts to Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 disappointment

Conor McGregor’s relationship with BKFC grew significantly after he became a part owner of the promotion in 2024 through McGregor Sports and Entertainment. The former UFC champion had previously attended BKFC events and later invested in the bare-knuckle organization.

David Feldman and McGregor have built a strong relationship through their shared vision for expanding BKFC’s reach. Feldman has often highlighted McGregor’s influence and business mindset as valuable assets for the promotion. Their partnership has helped connect BKFC with a wider combat sports audience.

Conor McGregor with David Feldman at the BKFC event
Conor McGregor with David Feldman at the BKFC event (via X)

Ahead of UFC 329, Feldman believed McGregor would return in a form the world had never seen. However, the Irishman suffered a knee injury against Max Holloway, leaving his future uncertain. Feldman has since addressed whether his business partner will eventually make another comeback.

Yeah, yep. I really think he does. I think he fights again, I think he’s focused, he’s working out already. He’s trying to do what he can do. He doesn’t quit. He just doesn’t quit either…I think you’d definitely see Conor McGregor back at least one more time, and if not, more than that…If things don’t work out for him…There is couple other sports that he could compete in – boxing and bare knuckle.

David Feldman via The Ariel Helwani Show

McGregor’s future remains a major storyline after his UFC 329 injury and uncertain return timeline. His relationship with Feldman and BKFC keeps another combat sports opportunity possible. A comeback from The Notorious One would create major attention across the industry.

Also Read: