Conor McGregor Confirms He Sustained Two Knee Injuries From Failed Kick at UFC 329

Conor McGregor has officially confirmed the full extent of the knee injury that spoiled his return fight against Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329. The former two-division UFC champion revealed he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right leg. The revelation confirms speculations that McGregor had injured those ligaments during the fight.

This injury occurred just seconds into his rematch with Max Holloway on July 11, and the bout was called off after just one minute and nine seconds when McGregor planted his foot awkwardly on the canvas and appeared unable to walk normally.

McGregor took to social media to provide a detailed update on his condition (via Conor McGregor on Instagram):

Conor McGregor Injury and Rehab Details

McGregor wrote in the Instagram caption that his ACL and meniscus were torn, and noted that this injury mirrors one he suffered 13 years ago against the same opponent.

"It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking," he wrote.

McGregor revealed he underwent successful surgery last week and is already making progress, walking without the assistance of crutches.

The 38-year-old also shared positive news regarding his rehabilitation process.

"I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive."

McGregor Promises Octagon Return

Despite the severity of the setback, McGregor is optimistic about a return to the Octagon, targeting a comeback by next summer.

"I returned to competition within 9 months to fight Diego Brandao back then," McGregor wrote. "With today's regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods, it is well within my realm to return by next summer."

This injury is a major blow to McGregor, who had just returned from a five-year layoff.

McGregor had been sidelined since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. During that layoff, McGregor used PEDs thanks to a special “therapeutic use exception,” which he admitted allowed him to use banned substances to help his recovery.

In his time away from the UFC, McGregor was also found liable for sexual assault in a 2024 civil case, which he failed to appeal. Despite his loss in the Irish Supreme Court, McGregor maintains his innocence.

UFC 329 Main Event Disappointment

The early stoppage due to the injury left fans without a real fight. McGregor reflected on the unfortunate event, suggesting it might have had a silver lining.

"I wonder was I saved from something worse here," McGregor pondered in his injury update post. "I believe so. I would have attended the after-party as 'the man' and who knows then. I believe I was saved."

In reality, McGregor was saved from sustaining injuries by fighting an incredibly dangerous opponent in Max Holloway, who would most likely have caused the Irish fighter further irreparable damage if the fight had actually played out.

He concluded his message with a note of gratitude.

"Thank you God! On we go, no sad stories. Thank you for the support and well wishes, everyone, your health is your wealth," he wrote.