Conor McGregor has pledged to return to competition after suffering a right knee injury just seconds into his UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway. The former two-division champion issued a series of social media statements following the first-round stoppage, insisting he entered the fight fully fit.
McGregor’s first fight in five years ended abruptly after he landed awkwardly while throwing a jumping kick in the opening minute of Saturday’s main event. Unable to put weight on his right leg or maintain his balance, the Irishman was ruled unable to continue, with referee Mike Beltran ending the contest just past the one minute mark.
“My head gasket is gone,” McGregor wrote on X. “Destroyed. 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. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.” In a follow-up post on Sunday, he added: “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.”
McGregor also expressed his determination to recover from the setback. “I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return,” he wrote. He later posted on Instagram: “All things work out for my good! All things are possible for me because I am a believer! Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God! I trust in You, Lord! Show me Your way. Thank You, God.” In a subsequent post, he added: “I am getting closer!”
The UFC has described the injury as a “right-knee internal injury”, although no official diagnosis has been confirmed. McGregor is expected to undergo further medical assessment to determine the full extent of the damage before beginning treatment and rehabilitation.
The UFC has also released footage of the Irishman performing the same kick during his pre-fight warm-up that resulted in the injury during Saturday’s contest.
