Conor McGregor dismisses injury rumors, calls for Holloway rematch

Conor McGregor has dismissed speculation that he entered UFC 329 already injured, calling the claims nonsense ahead of his planned rematch with Max Holloway.

The former two-division champion addressed social media theories suggesting his knee was compromised before the July 11 bout at T-Mobile Arena, which ended in the opening moments when McGregor landed awkwardly from a jumping roundhouse kick. Video circulated online showing McGregor appearing off-balance while removing his shoes cageside, but he attributed that moment to pulling off a shoe with a sweaty foot. "I had zero issue," McGregor wrote on Twitter, per MMA Fighting. "I was primed. Fit. Healthy. My engine, my oxygen, my blood, my hr, was never in better condition."

Why the UFC 329 stoppage differed from 2013

Referee Mike Beltran waved off the contest after McGregor struggled to stand following a ground exchange. Some observers compared the injury to McGregor's torn ACL in his first fight with Holloway in 2013, when he continued and won a decision. McGregor explained the situations were not analogous. The earlier injury occurred mid-second round on the canvas with no weight bearing required, and affected his back leg rather than his lead. This time the damage hit his right leg, which bears the load on every strike and movement.

McGregor confirmed he is awaiting full MRI results and expects surgery, with a possible return in 2027. The bout would have been the final fight on his current UFC contract, and he has given no sign of extending the deal. Asked who he wants next, McGregor was unequivocal. "It has to be Holloway," he said.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Conor McGregor responds to ‘nonsense’ claims he was injured going into UFC 329, reveals who he wants in final UFC fight | MMA Fighting