McGregor Vows to Return After UFC 329 Injury

Conor McGregor is not retiring despite his comeback at UFC 329 ending in 69 seconds.

"I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened/ The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock at what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow. I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return,” McGregor

The injury occurred on the first offensive action of the main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. McGregor rushed Holloway immediately at the bell and threw a kick that sent him down awkwardly on his right knee. He attempted to continue, fell again, and referee Mike Beltran waved it off at one minute and nine seconds. Fans and commentators immediately speculated that McGregor had been carrying the injury into the cage. McGregor denied it categorically.

Whether the return he is promising materialises depends on factors that are now familiar. The physical recovery from a knee injury at 37, coming on top of the leg fracture against Poirier in 2021, will determine the medical timeline. His UFC contract has one fight remaining.

Holloway, who won the fight without throwing a meaningful punch, is willing to wait. He addressed the possibility of a trilogy after the contest with characteristic generosity toward McGregor, framing it as a fight worth having when the circumstances allow.

"I want to see what his injury is first. But I then want to come back again in 2027. I will take some time to have a break, see my family, and then you guys will see Blessed return in 2027,” Holloway

McGregor has not won a fight since knocking out Donald Cerrone in forty seconds in January 2020. The injury record over the last five years is now the defining feature of his late career. He says he is coming back, but will it happen.