Conor McGregor's UFC return cut short by knee injury against Max Holloway
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 4:48 AM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
Conor McGregor's anticipated return to the UFC ended abruptly in 69 seconds during his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. McGregor injured his right knee while attempting a roundhouse kick, resulting in the referee calling off the bout after he fell multiple times. This fight marked McGregor's first octagon appearance since suffering a leg injury against Dustin Poirier in 2021. Holloway expressed disappointment that the fight concluded without a true contest, but indicated interest in a rematch in the future.
- •McGregor injured his knee in the opening seconds of the fight.
- •The bout was stopped by referee Mike Beltran due to McGregor's inability to continue.
- •This was McGregor's first fight since breaking his leg in 2021.
- •Holloway was making his welterweight debut at UFC 329.
- •Former UFC champion Holloway looks for a rematch after the quick finish.
- 5:22 AMESPN — McGregor injures leg on opening kick; fight called...
- 4:45 AMBBC Sport — McGregor injured 69 seconds into UFC comeback
- 4:32 AMYahoo Sports — McGregor loses in 69 seconds on UFC return from five-year layoff
"Former double world champion Conor McGregor lost to Max Holloway after only 69 seconds because of a right knee injury on Saturday, in his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship after a five-year layoff.McGregor jumped and launched a roundhouse kick at Holloway in the opening seconds, but hurt his right knee as he planted his foot.
"Conor McGregor's much anticipated UFC return lasted just 69 seconds Saturday after he injured his leg in the opening seconds of his fight with Max Holloway and was forced to retire.
"Conor McGregor's return to the octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 329 lasts just 69 seconds after the Irishman suffers a knee injury.
Sources
External links- ESPNJul 12, 2026, 5:22 AMMcGregor injures leg on opening kick; fight called...
Conor McGregor's much anticipated UFC return lasted just 69 seconds Saturday after he injured his leg in the opening seconds of his fight with Max Holloway and was forced to retire.
- BBC SportJul 12, 2026, 4:45 AMMcGregor injured 69 seconds into UFC comeback
Conor McGregor's return to the octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 329 lasts just 69 seconds after the Irishman suffers a knee injury.
- Yahoo SportsJul 12, 2026, 4:32 AMMcGregor loses in 69 seconds on UFC return from five-year layoff
Former double world champion Conor McGregor lost to Max Holloway after only 69 seconds because of a right knee injury on Saturday, in his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship after a five-year layoff.McGregor jumped and launched a roundhouse kick at Holloway in the opening seconds, but hurt his right knee as he planted his foot.
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