The return of Conor McGregor to the UFC ended almost before it began. The Irish fighter injured his knee during the first round against Max Holloway and could not continue after barely 69 seconds of combat.
The fight headlined UFC 329, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Holloway was declared the winner by technical knockout after the referee determined McGregor was not in condition to continue.
A kick ends McGregor's return
McGregor tried to open the fight with a jump kick. Upon landing, he fell awkwardly and immediately showed knee problems. The Irishman tried to continue for a few seconds, but could barely move. He finally looked at the referee and indicated he was not in condition to continue fighting.
The fight marked his return to competition after five years. McGregor had not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a severe leg fracture during his bout with Dustin Poirier.
Holloway takes an unexpected victory
Holloway expressed disappointment at how the duel ended. The American explained that he had warned the referee about his opponent's condition and raised the possibility of a third fight when McGregor recovers.
The two fighters had faced each other for the first time in 2013. On that occasion, McGregor won by unanimous decision. The UFC result 329 now leaves their individual series tied at one win each.
For now, there is no definitive publicly released medical diagnosis on the extent of the injury, nor an estimated date for the Irishman's return.