Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 329 in Las Vegas was cut short seconds into his welterweight bout against Max Holloway due to an apparent knee injury. The fight was waved off by the official, resulting in a TKO victory for Holloway.
The incident occurred moments after McGregor attempted a running kick and a subsequent head kick, appearing to slip on both occasions. Holloway capitalized on the second slip, securing top position before McGregor returned to his feet. Shortly after, McGregor fell to the canvas again when his right leg appeared to buckle while throwing a kick.
UFC CEO Dana White indicated during the broadcast that a replay showed the moment McGregor sustained the injury. The reported injury was not to the same leg McGregor fractured in his 2021 fight against Dustin Poirier, which led to an extended absence from competition.
This loss extends McGregor's winless streak. His last UFC victory was a first-round TKO against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in January 2020. McGregor had previously earned a unanimous decision victory over Holloway in a featherweight bout in 2013, before both fighters achieved megastar status.
McGregor, who has not fought in nearly five years, acknowledged in the days leading up to the fight that he had become caught up in his own superstardom after winning UFC belts in two weight classes. He mentioned the launch of his Irish whiskey brand and the pressures of managing its success, stating he was "trapped and caught" by the demands.
Over the past several years, the former champion has faced multiple controversies and legal issues.