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Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback lasted just 69 seconds as a suspected knee injury forced a stoppage against Max Holloway, reviving memories of their injury-hit first meeting.
A distraught Conor McGregor after his loss to Max Holloway (AP)
Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC return lasted just 69 seconds after a suspected knee injury brought his comeback to a devastating halt at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
The former two-division UFC champion appeared to suffer a serious right knee injury within moments of the opening bell against Max Holloway, ending his first mixed martial arts bout in five years in the most heartbreaking fashion imaginable.
McGregor sprinted across the Octagon and launched a flying kick at Holloway, but immediately looked uncomfortable as he landed. The Irishman repeatedly slipped during the brief exchange, prompting Holloway to alert referee Mike Beltran that something was wrong.
Beltran eventually waved off the contest after just 69 seconds, handing Holloway the victory and leaving a stunned T-Mobile Arena to process an anticlimactic ending.
The injury echoed McGregor’s first meeting with Holloway back in 2013, when the Irishman won by unanimous decision despite tearing his ACL during the fight.
Saturday’s bout marked McGregor’s first appearance since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. His planned return against Michael Chandler in 2023 was cancelled after he suffered a broken toe, while his comeback was further delayed following a civil court ruling in Dublin in late 2024 that found him liable in the sexual assault case brought by Nikita Hand.
For Holloway, the victory came in unusual circumstances. The former featherweight champion showed concern for his opponent during the stoppage before paying tribute to McGregor in his post-fight interview.
“Let’s give it up for Conor McGregor, guys,” Holloway said as sections of the crowd booed the finish. “What an absolute animal. When we were in here, I was trying to call the fight off, and he kept asking to fight on. But you guys are lucky because there’s going to be a Holloway vs. McGregor 3 now. Let’s get this f***ing money, boys.”
Holloway also managed to lighten the mood with a joke, adding: “What can I say? I had him weak in the knees, I guess.”
While the extent of McGregor’s injury remains unknown, another lengthy spell on the sidelines could now await the 37-year-old, whose highly anticipated comeback ended before it had truly begun.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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