Conor McGregor has dismissed speculation that he was injured before his UFC 329 bout against Max Holloway, an injury that led to a swift end to the fight on Saturday in Las Vegas. Theories circulated online after a video clip appeared to show McGregor hopping on his right foot and carefully placing it down before the fight began.
McGregor, however, stated on X early Sunday morning that he was prepared and sharp for the fight and that any talk of him being compromised before entering the octagon was untrue. "The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense," McGregor wrote. "I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock 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."
UFC President Dana White told reporters that he and doctors suspected a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after McGregor's leg buckled early in the fight. "We’re assuming blown ACL," White said. "I’m no doctor, but that’s what I figured when I saw it and doctors think the same thing too."
Despite McGregor's denials, a clip circulated showing him removing his right shoe by lifting it with his left foot, then hopping on his right leg. However, reports suggest he merely lost his balance. Footage posted by White prior to the fight showed McGregor delivering kicks from the locker room without apparent issue during warmups.
White also commented that any pre-existing injury would likely have been noticed in the numerous videos and clips from press conferences and appearances leading up to the fight. The fight officially lasted 69 seconds. White had anticipated a longer contest, noting McGregor's five-year layoff.