Conor McGregor’s return to MMA lasted just 69 seconds at UFC 329 as the former two-division champion suffered a devastating knee injury against Max Holloway after the fight on Saturday.
McGregor entered the fight after taking a long break of more than five years. However, the comeback didn’t go as planned after he landed awkwardly on his right leg while throwing an early kick.
Despite attempting to continue, it became clear that he could not fight through that injury. And the fight was stopped midway in the opening round, handing Holloway a TKO victory.
Soon after the fight on Saturday, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons wrote:
“So y’all don’t think Conor was hurt coming into the ring tonight?”
Simmons, who shares the field with Cam Ward, appeared to question whether McGregor was truly healthy before stepping into the cage.
His post came as speculation spread online after viewers pointed to clips of McGregor seemingly moving awkwardly backstage and during his walkout.
Conor McGregor Makes Feelings Clear On His Injury
McGregor addressed injury rumors himself, insisting he entered the match in peak condition.
In a statement posted after the fight, the 37-year-old rejected claims that he carried any prior injury.
“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,” McGregor wrote.
“This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”
The former UFC champion also dismissed suggestions that he looked uncomfortable before the fight began.
“I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened. The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow.” – he added.
The injury marks a heartbreaking setback for McGregor and his fans. His last UFC victory was the 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone in January 2020.
Whether the recent injury proves to be an ACL tear or something less severe remains to be seen. Until an official medical diagnosis is released, questions surrounding McGregor’s condition before the fight are likely to continue.
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