Conor McGregor to Undergo Knee Surgery, Targets UFC Return

Conor McGregor to Undergo Knee Surgery, Targets UFC Return

Conor McGregor says he will undergo surgery after suffering a serious knee injury during his comeback fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329, but remains determined to return to the Octagon.

The former two-division UFC champion injured his knee just seconds into the fight after landing awkwardly while attempting a jumping kick. Unable to continue, the bout was stopped after only 69 seconds.

In a message posted on Instagram, McGregor remained optimistic about his recovery.

“Everything works out for my good. Surgery, rehabilitation, return to training, and then another fight. One final fight remains on my contract. Please God,” he wrote.

UFC President Dana White said doctors believe McGregor may have suffered a torn ACL.

“We’re assuming it’s a blown ACL. That’s what I thought when I saw it, and that’s what the doctors believe as well,” White said.

McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, dismissed suggestions that the Irish fighter entered the contest with an existing knee problem. He explained that the jumping kick had been practised repeatedly during training without any issues.

McGregor also denied carrying any injury into the fight, saying he had trained and warmed up normally before entering the cage.

The injury is the latest setback in McGregor’s career. He had not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, while a planned return in 2024 was cancelled because of a broken toe suffered during training.

Despite the latest disappointment, the 37-year-old insists he is focused on recovery and hopes to compete again after completing his rehabilitation.