UFC fighter Conor McGregor's camp has refuted claims that the athlete was injured prior to his recent comeback fight, pushing back against online speculation fueled by viral footage. The video, circulating after McGregor's fight against Max Holloway on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, shows the 37-year-old appearing unsteady while walking to the octagon and removing his shoe.
Fans on social media platform X interpreted the clip as evidence that McGregor sustained an injury during his warm-up or even earlier, with some suggesting he attempted to hide it. One user wrote, "Conor McGregor, walked in injured, watch him taking off his shoes before the fight." Another commented, "Hurt in warm ups and tried to hide it. The knee never lies."
McGregor's highly anticipated return to the octagon after a five-year hiatus ended abruptly in just 69 seconds. The fight was stopped when McGregor sustained a knee injury after attempting a kick that missed Holloway. This outcome mirrors his previous fight in July 2021, where he suffered a broken leg during a bout with Dustin Poirier.
In response to the conspiracy theories, McGregor posted on X early Sunday morning, dismissing the suggestions as "nonsense." He stated, "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 what has taken place."
McGregor added that he would not be deterred and intends to return to competition. The fighter's camp has maintained that he entered the fight healthy and fully prepared.
The defeat marks a difficult end to McGregor's comeback, which was billed as a major event. His last octagon appearance also ended in injury, with a broken leg requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery period. In the intervening years, McGregor has faced other disruptions, including injury-related withdrawals, a suspension for missed drug tests, and a civil liability finding in November 2024 related to a sexual assault allegation.
Saturday's fight, ending with a new injury on the first kick, is expected to renew questions about the physical durability of the 37-year-old fighter at the elite level of the sport.