Las Vegas: McGregor faces surgery after UFC 329 injury, calls for no-contest

By Olivia Hughes — 16 July 2026 — 3 min read

McGregor’s Return Ends Abruptly at UFC 329

Conor McGregor‘s anticipated return to the UFC octagon at UFC 329 concluded unexpectedly this past Saturday. His main event bout against Max Holloway was cut short after McGregor sustained a knee injury. This marked McGregor‘s first fight in five years, ending a hiatus that followed a previous injury.

The fight, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11, lasted only 69 seconds. The knee injury occurred in the opening moments of the contest, leading referee Mike Beltran to stop the fight. This outcome has sparked discussions about McGregor‘s future in the sport.

Following the event, McGregor announced his intention to undergo surgery for the knee injury. He shared updates on social media, describing his condition as “beyond dark” and “hell.” He also addressed speculation that he might have entered the fight with a pre-existing injury, stating, “I had no injury / injuries going into the fight.”

McGregor emphasized that he was “so sharp and so ready for this fight” and expressed shock at what transpired. He dismissed claims of being unwell before the fight, asserting his calm, readiness, and confidence. Despite the setback, he declared his resolve to return to the octagon, stating, “I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return.”

UFC President and CEO Dana White commented on McGregor‘s situation, noting the challenges of returning to the sport after a five-year absence. White indicated that a “blown ACL” was suspected, though he clarified he is not a doctor. McGregor later confirmed his plan for surgery, prehab, and a return to martial arts practice.

Controversy and Future Outlook

In the aftermath of his loss, Conor McGregor made a demand to the Nevada State Athletic Commission to have the fight declared a no-contest and all bets returned. He argued that the fight should be overturned, despite the injury being self-inflicted during an attempted high kick. Reports suggest this demand is unlikely to be met, as the injury resulted from his own maneuver rather than an illegal strike from Holloway.

The incident has drawn attention to the risks involved in combat sports, particularly after a prolonged period away from competition. McGregor‘s previous absence was to recover from a broken fibula. His return to face Max Holloway was a highly anticipated rematch, headlining a significant UFC 329 card.

The quick end to the fight, occurring just over a minute into the bout, was described as a “cringeworthy result” for McGregor, who had a record of losing three of his previous four fights and had not secured a victory in the promotion since 2020. He reportedly left the octagon without a traditional post-fight interview.

The outcome of UFC 329 has led to discussions among combat sports analysts. The panel on “Between the Links” discussed the main event, its impact, and the potential paths forward for both McGregor and Holloway. Other notable moments from UFC 329 included Paddy Pimblett‘s win and submission in the co-main event.

Looking ahead, the combat sports world has a busy schedule. Upcoming events include Dricus du Plessis facing Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City, and Arman Tsarukyan taking on Colby Covington at RAF 11. The PFL is also scheduled to head to Austin. Ben Askren‘s return is also anticipated.

McGregor‘s social media posts have continued to provide insight into his mindset following the injury. He maintains that he was sharp and ready for the fight, expressing disbelief at the turn of events. His declaration to return to the octagon underscores his determination despite the recent setback at UFC 329 on July 11.

Source: sports.yahoo.com