Conor McGregor announced that he sustained torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injuries to his right knee during his recent UFC 329 bout against Max Holloway. McGregor, who lost the fight by technical knockout, called the diagnosis "quite shocking."
"Update: it was acl and meniscus," McGregor posted on social media. "It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking."
The fighter previously battled Holloway 13 years ago, and this marks a recurrence of a similar injury, albeit on his opposite leg. McGregor expressed a positive outlook on his recovery, citing advancements in regenerative medicine and training methods. He stated his expectation to return by next summer and noted he is currently walking without crutches and able to perform leg extensions.
During the UFC 329 fight, McGregor attempted a jumping roundhouse kick. Upon landing, he immediately fell to the canvas, grabbing his right knee. Referee Mike Beltran stopped the fight in the first round, awarding the victory to Holloway.
Following the match, McGregor initially described the injury as sudden and unexpected, stating he had no pre-fight injuries and had successfully executed similar kicks during training camp. He indicated he felt he was "was saved from something worse."
McGregor's professional record now stands at 22-7 after the TKO loss. He has expressed a desire to recover and compete again rather than end his career in this manner.