It Ended Before It Began: McGregor’s UFC Comeback, Riddled by First-Minute Injury

Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the Octagon didn’t end well for the former two-division UFC champion. 

In fact, it would be more appropriate to say that his comeback didn’t start well, as it took less than a minute for the 37-year-old Irish star to suffer a serious injury to his right knee. 

Disappointment Is an Understatement 

McGregor’s welterweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday night (July 11) started with the Irishman’s aggressive jumping roundhouse kick a few seconds into the contest. 

However, his landing wasn’t ideal, and, despite trying to continue, it quickly became obvious that something was wrong, as he could no longer put weight on his right leg. Eventually, he grabbed his knee right before referee Mike Beltran decided to wave off the fight.

The disappointing ending put an abrupt end to what was supposed to be one of the most watched fights of the year, as it marked McGregor’s first UFC appearance since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier five years ago. 

Needless to say, his latest setback was particularly cruel for both the fighter and his fans.

Suspicion of ACL 

Speaking after the event, UFC chief executive officer Dana White said the promotion is operating under the assumption that McGregor may have torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). 

The Irishman is expected to undergo an MRI this week, with the scan expected to confirm the full extent of the injury before doctors determine the next steps.

McGregor, however, managed to stay optimistic, revealed that surgery and rehabilitation are already part of the plan on a social media post, adding that he plans to fight again once he has recovered.

If an ACL tear is confirmed, however, recovery could keep him out of competition for around nine months or longer. 

Other possible knee injuries, including meniscus damage, would require a shorter or similarly lengthy rehabilitation, based on the severity.

While McGregor’s night ended almost before it began, the event still produced one of its biggest winners. Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett kept his rise toward title contention alive with an impressive first-round submission victory against Benoit Saint Denis.