Conor McGregor's return to the octagon was cut short after just one minute due to an apparent knee injury sustained during his fight against Max Holloway in Las Vegas. The referee stopped the contest after McGregor appeared to buckle from an attempted kick.
McGregor, who had not fought in five years, landed an initial flying kick but appeared to injure his leg upon planting his foot. He continued for approximately 60 seconds in visible discomfort before the fight was halted. The Irishman was seen limping from the arena.
Following the defeat, McGregor took to X, formerly Twitter, to address the injury. He stated that he had no pre-existing injuries entering the fight and that the injury occurred unexpectedly. "My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight," McGregor wrote. "I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell."
He added, "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."
Max Holloway commented on the fight's abrupt ending, expressing disappointment for McGregor and suggesting a rematch. "Let's give it up for Conor! What an absolute animal. You guys are lucky because there is going to be a Holloway v McGregor three now. Let's get that money," Holloway said. "It is what it is. I'll sit down with the UFC. There was so much hype for that. We have to run it back one time. We need one more."
This marks McGregor's third consecutive loss and extends his winless streak to six years. His last bout, against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, also ended prematurely due to a severe injury.
McGregor also addressed a recent civil liability finding for sexual assault, stating in a pre-fight press conference that he is an innocent man. "I am an innocent man and I will stand for my innocence until the day I go out," he said. "It stings deep but I continue to fight. I know the truth. And I know that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord."