Conor McGregor awaiting surgery, says UFC 329 win may have triggered relapse

Conor McGregor is waiting for surgery after blowing out his knee in the opening seconds of UFC 329 last weekend, and he told fans a different outcome might have pushed him back toward substance abuse.

McGregor responded to a fan question on social media about drug use, writing that he has stayed clean but believes a favorable result — or even a full fight — could have caused him to relapse. "I feel if the fight had of went any different, favorably or otherwise, even if the fight got to take place at least, I may have cracked the seal on this and ended back in the cycle," he wrote, per MMA Mania.

McGregor's recovery plan after 69-second stoppage

The former two-division champion lasted just over a minute against Max Holloway in Las Vegas before the injury ended the bout. McGregor, who has documented struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, previously said he used Ibogaine therapy and religion to get sober ahead of his comeback. He told another user that zero mind-altering substances have entered his body since the fight and that he plans to focus on discipline during his recovery.

"More time under extreme discipline is required and that is it," McGregor added. "I find extreme discipline most enjoyable anyway so happy days."

McGregor turned 38 earlier this week and named Holloway as the final opponent on his current UFC contract. No timeline has been set for his return to the cage.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Conor McGregor ‘awaiting surgery’ for UFC 329 injury, suggests victory would have resurrected drug ‘cycle’