Conor McGregor’s comeback fight after a five-year absence ended abruptly with a knee injury just 69 seconds into his bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. McGregor attempted a flying kick early in the first round but landed awkwardly, injuring his right knee and forcing him to retire from the fight [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The injury resulted in Max Holloway winning by technical knockout due to the stoppage [1, 2, 5].
McGregor, 37 years old, had not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 [1, 2, 3, 4]. He had been scheduled to return against Michael Chandler in June 2024 but withdrew after suffering a broken toe during training [1, 6, 7]. He also served an 18-month anti-doping ban for missed tests that expired in March 2026 [1, 6, 7].
This was the second meeting between McGregor and Holloway. McGregor won their first fight in 2013 by unanimous decision [1, 4]. Holloway acknowledged the abrupt end to their latest fight but called for a trilogy. “You guys are lucky because there is going to be a Holloway v McGregor 3 now,” Holloway said. “We have to run it back one more time. One more time for the boys.” [1, 2]
UFC President Dana White said doctors believe McGregor likely blew his ACL in the injury. “That’s what I assumed when I saw it, and that’s what the doctors think, too,” White said [4]. Former champion Michael Bisping cautioned that such a surgery could mean a year or more out and possibly the end of McGregor’s career [3].
McGregor posted on social media on July 13 that he planned to have surgery, writing, “All things work out for my good!...Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God!” [6, 8, 7]
The co-main event that night featured Britain's Paddy Pimblett submitting Benoit Saint-Denis in under a minute, winning in 52 seconds [1, 4, 5].
McGregor’s UFC record stands at 22 wins and 7 losses after the defeat [4]. The next concrete step is McGregor’s scheduled surgery, with hopes for a return to fighting after rehab and recovery are complete [6, 8, 7].
