Overeem Tells McGregor To Retire After UFC 329

Alistair Overeem does not believe Conor McGregor has another fight left in him.

McGregor tore his ACL and meniscus just over a minute into his UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway in July, ending a five-year absence from the cage with his fifth career surgery. The former two-division champion has promised a final fight in 2027, but Overeem thinks that would be a mistake. "His body was finished five years ago so his return, to me, was nothing more than a money grab facilitated by the UFC," the K-1 and Strikeforce heavyweight champion told Bloody Elbow.

Overeem Questions McGregor's Commitment

The Dutchman went further, saying McGregor no longer lives the life of a fighter. "If you are going to fight or be an athlete, you need to have a certain lifestyle. You need to not go out and drink alcohol, you need to be making your rounds and I just don't see that with him," Overeem said. He added that McGregor's appearance reveals the truth. "When you're a fighter you can look at another man and kind of see what's up — and he's just not the same guy, he's not a fighter."

McGregor suffered the injury attempting a jumping kick against Holloway. Whether the damage was preexisting or occurred in the moment remains a subject of debate, but Overeem is certain the Irishman should not return to competition. "With all due respect I'm not seeing that for him any more," he said.

McGregor has not responded publicly to Overeem's comments. His second ACL surgery was completed last week.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Conor McGregor urged to retire by combat sports icon Alistair Overeem: “His body was finished five years ago”