Conor McGregor plans final UFC fight after knee surgery setback

The Guardian Sport3 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 8:22 PM

Last updated Jul 27, 2026

Conor McGregor plans final UFC fight after knee surgery setback
Summary

Conor McGregor is targeting a July 2027 return to the UFC after suffering a knee injury during his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026. McGregor blew out his knee while throwing a kick, requiring surgery to repair a torn ACL. UFC CEO Dana White stated that McGregor would be out for at least a year. McGregor hopes to fulfill his UFC contract and potentially rebook the Holloway fight, although UFC officials have not confirmed any plans, given his recovery timeline.

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Status Watch
  • McGregor injured his knee during UFC 329 against Holloway.
  • He is expected to be sidelined for at least a year.
  • Plans to fight during International Fight Week in July 2027.
  • McGregor could explore options outside the UFC post-contract.
  • UFC officials haven't committed to a rebooked fight with Holloway.
Latest Updates
  • 2:26 PMThe Guardian SportConor McGregor calls for ‘Last Dance’ rematch with Max Holloway in 2027
  • 3:19 AMESPNMcGregor calls for 2027 'Last Dance' vs. Holloway
  • 10:38 PMYahoo SportsOne more? Conor McGregor teases his ‘Last Dance’ after UFC 329 disaster
  • 9:13 PMYahoo SportsConor McGregor targets summer 2027 'last dance' UFC fight against Max Holloway amid knee recovery
  • 9:10 PMYahoo SportsConor McGregor teases final fight UFC fight next summer
  • 8:22 PMYahoo SportsConor McGregor teases ‘last dance’ in UFC, reveals ideal event for possible final UFC fight
  • 8:22 PMMMA FightingConor McGregor teases ‘last dance’ in UFC, reveals ideal event for possible final UFC fight
What they're saying
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Conor McGregor of Ireland prepares to face Max Holloway in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Conor McGregor is plotting his final UFC fight after a freak knee injury that ended his comeback against Max Holloway at UFC 329. Throwing his first kick in the fight, McGregor blew out his knee and now he’s been forced to undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL. On Sunday, UFC CEO Dana White said he expected McGregor to be out of action for at least a year and that timeline seems to fit perfectly for the former two-division champion as he seeks to fulfill his current contract with the promotion. “What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset,” McGregor said on Instagram with a video showing him warming up prior to UFC 329. “IFW 2027. The Last Dance.” View this post on Instagram Of course, IFW references International Fight Week, which is the same card McGregor headlined in July for his rematch against Holloway. The last dance is obviously McGregor’s plan to fight out his UFC contract and then potentially become the biggest free agent in combat sports history. McGregor has made it clear that he plans to fulfill his contractual obligations with the UFC before exploring new options, which could potentially include a return to boxing or possibly even fighting in BKFC where he’s a part owner of the company. The Irish superstar has also repeatedly called for the Holloway fight to get rebooked but UFC officials haven’t committed to anything given the timeline for McGregor to recover and then get ready to compete again. Naming Holloway as his opponent now would keep the former featherweight champion on the sidelines, potentially for the next year while McGregor works on his comeback. But McGregor is obviously aiming for July 2027 for his next and final fight with the UFC after injury ruined his latest attempt to fight again.

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Irishman’s UFC return v Holloway ended after 69 seconds McGregor tore ACL in fight and is out for lengthy spell Conor McGregor is seeking a rematch ⁠of his recent loss to Max Holloway in what would be the final bout of ⁠his UFC deal. In ⁠an ​Instagram post Monday that references the UFC’s International Fight Week next July, McGregor wrote, “What was ⁠to be a generational beating is now to be reset. IFW 2027. The Last Dance.” Continue reading...

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Is the end coming? It has been just over two weeks since former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) two-division champion Conor McGregor inally returned to competition against Max Holloway at UFC 329. Unfortunately, his highly-anticipated comeback lasted just 69 seconds, as McGregor injured his knee in “Sin City” and was unable to continue (watch it). It […]

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