Aljamain Sterling sympathizes with Conor McGregor injury

Aljamain Sterling believes Conor McGregor can return from the knee injury that ended his UFC 329 comeback fight against Max Holloway in seconds.

Sterling told MMA Fighting he understands the doubt that surrounds a fighter dealing with serious injuries, having faced similar skepticism when he underwent neck surgery while holding the UFC bantamweight title. "I've had many surgeries. Many people told me my career was over," he said. Sterling noted that T.J. Dillashaw had predicted before their fight that the neck procedure would be the end of his career, but Sterling came back to defend the belt multiple times.

Testing Pool Questions Around McGregor Recovery

McGregor reportedly tore his ACL seconds into the Holloway bout and has already announced plans for surgery. Sterling said the biggest concern is whether McGregor stays in the UFC's anti-doping program during recovery. McGregor previously dropped out of testing after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, which sparked questions about his recovery methods. He returned to the testing pool and has been tested 15 times in 2026 with no adverse findings, according to MMA Fighting.

Sterling pointed to concerns raised by Sean Strickland that using banned substances can weaken ligaments over time. However, the former bantamweight champion said he understands why any fighter would consider every available option after a serious injury. "If you're telling me there's a way to speed up my recovery and help those ligaments and tendons heal, yeah, I would do it," Sterling said. "I'm doing this for quality of life, not for an edge in competition."

McGregor is expected to be out at least a year with the knee injury and must remain in the testing pool for six months before competing if he withdraws.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Aljamain Sterling sympathizes with Conor McGregor after latest injury: ‘Many people told me my career was over’ | MMA Fighting