McGregor to undergo knee surgery after UFC 329 injury, plans return
6 verified5 unconfirmed
Conor McGregor will undergo surgery after a knee injury ended his return fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Sunday in Las Vegas. The injury occurred in the opening seconds when McGregor landed awkwardly while attempting a jump kick. The former two-weight champion has said he plans to have surgery and rehabilitation and hopes to fight again, calling it the "final fight of the contract" on Instagram. Both McGregor and his manager, John Kavanagh, stated there was no prior knee injury. The fight lasted 69 seconds before the referee halted the match. UFC president Dana White said medical staff suspect a torn ACL.
What’s verified
Conor McGregor suffered a knee injury during his UFC 329 fight against Max Holloway on July 12, 2026, in Las Vegas.
The injury occurred when McGregor landed awkwardly after attempting a jump kick early in the first round.
The fight lasted 69 seconds (1 minute, 9 seconds) before being stopped by the referee.
McGregor announced on Instagram a plan for surgery, prehabilitation, and a return to fighting.
Both McGregor and his manager John Kavanagh denied that the fighter had a pre-existing knee injury.
Dana White stated that doctors suspect a torn ACL.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that Dana White said "five years off in this sport is rough" and noted there were no signs of a prior injury at the ceremonial weigh-in.
One source reported that after the injury, McGregor went to the mat two more times in failed attempts to continue before the fight was stopped.
One source described the kick as a "roundhouse kick" while the other described it as a "jump switch kick."
One source detailed McGregor's past career disruptions, including a broken leg against Dustin Poirier, a broken toe that cancelled a fight with Michael Chandler, a civil court verdict finding him liable for the assault of Nikita Hand, and an 18-month doping whereabouts ban.
The specific medical diagnosis (ACL tear) has not been confirmed independently; Dana White's statement was listed as a doctor's assumption.
Key figures
Conor McGregor, mixed martial artist
Max Holloway, mixed martial artist
Dana White, UFC president
John Kavanagh, McGregor's manager
Sources: Sky Sports, abcnews.com
