Conor McGregor’s Knee Injury Halts UFC 329 Return

On July 11, 2026 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, former two-division champion Conor McGregor faced Max Holloway in a welterweight bout. Seconds into the opening round, McGregor attempted a jumping roundhouse kick, landed awkwardly on his right knee, grabbed the joint, and fell to the canvas. Referee Mike Beltran stopped the contest at 1:09 of round 1, awarding Holloway a technical knockout. Post-fight medical evaluation confirmed a torn right ACL and meniscus damage.

McGregor says torn ACL and meniscus ended UFC 329 return

McGregor’s first encounter with Holloway in August 2013 resulted in a left-knee ACL tear, which he overcame to win a unanimous decision. The 2026 injury mirrors that earlier trauma but affects the opposite leg, a fact McGregor highlighted in his own updates.

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline

• Fight duration: 69 seconds.

Conor McGregor reveals extent of injuries, when he hopes to return to UFC

• McGregor’s UFC record after the loss: 22-7.

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline

• Age at injury: 38.

Conor McGregor confirms ACL injury during disappointing UFC 329 outcome: “I believe I was saved”

• Surgery performed within a week of the bout.

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline

• McGregor reports walking without a crutch and completing leg-extension exercises without pain.

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline

McGregor used his X account to detail the diagnosis, noting the injury’s similarity to 2013 and expressing confidence in a return “by next summer.” He emphasized that regenerative-medicine advances and his disciplined training regimen support a timely comeback. UFC president Dana White acknowledged the ACL tear, stating that while McGregor “didn’t look like it,” the possibility of a pre-fight issue could not be entirely dismissed.

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline

Social-media chatter questioned whether McGregor entered the fight already compromised, citing the abrupt stoppage and the brevity of the bout. No independent medical report has been released, and the speculation remains unverified.

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline

• Return timeline: McGregor targets “next summer” (2027), whereas White referenced an “April 2027” target for the final fight on McGregor’s contract.

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline

• Medical confirmation: All sources relay McGregor’s self-reported diagnosis; no third-party medical verification is provided.

Conor McGregor confirms ACL injury during disappointing UFC 329 outcome: “I believe I was saved”

McGregor’s current UFC contract stipulates one additional fight, with many fans and analysts anticipating a potential third showdown with Holloway if both athletes remain healthy. The exact date of any future bout remains undefined pending recovery progress and UFC scheduling.

Conor McGregor suffered torn ACL in shortened return fight against Max Holloway

• “Update: It was acl and meniscus.” — Conor McGregor, Fighter (X post)

Conor McGregor reveals extent of injuries, when he hopes to return to UFC

• “It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking.” — Conor McGregor, Fighter (X post)

Fox News (website)

• “I am walking without a crutch. I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive.” — Conor McGregor, Fighter (X post)

McGregor Reveals Torn ACL And Meniscus

• “Anything is possible, but he sure didn’t look like it,” — Dana White, UFC president (interview)

UFC star Conor McGregor gives post-surgery update, injury return timeline