McGregor made his long-awaited return to the Octagon on July 11, ending an absence of more than five years. However, the comeback ended in heartbreaking fashion after the Irishman suffered a serious knee injury just over a minute into his welterweight rematch with Holloway.
The injury occurred after McGregor attempted a jumping roundhouse kick and planted awkwardly on his right leg. Although he briefly attempted to continue and engaged in a brief grappling exchange, he was visibly compromised and unable to move properly. Referee Mike Beltran eventually stepped in and awarded Holloway a first-round TKO victory.
Following the defeat, Conor McGregor exited the arena immediately, but has now taken to social media to share an emotional update on his condition. He stated:
“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”
Conor McGregor says injury came ‘out of nowhere’
Conor McGregor’s statement shuts down speculation that he entered UFC 329 carrying a pre-existing injury. The former featherweight and lightweight champion insisted he completed his training camp without any physical issues and was performing explosive movements right up until fight night.
The loss marked McGregor’s third consecutive defeat inside the Octagon and extended his winless streak to more than six years, with his last victory coming against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in January 2020.
For ‘Blessed,’ the victory was significant as he avenged his unanimous decision loss to McGregor from their first meeting in 2013. However, the circumstances of the ending left many fighters and fans disappointed, as the bout concluded before either man could truly impose their game.
Conor McGregor’s latest statement also raises fresh questions regarding his future in the sport. At 37 years old and coming off another serious injury setback, it remains unclear whether ‘The Notorious’ will pursue another comeback once he recovers.
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