Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC ended in disappointment after Max Holloway defeated him by first-round technical knockout at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
The fight was stopped after McGregor appeared to suffer a serious injury to his right knee. Early in the opening round, the Irishman attempted a jumping kick but landed awkwardly and immediately began struggling to put weight on his leg.
McGregor tried to continue, but his knee repeatedly buckled as Holloway applied pressure. When McGregor attempted to stand again and was unable to defend himself properly, the referee stepped in and stopped the contest.
Holloway was officially declared the winner by TKO due to injury. The abrupt ending denied both fighters the opportunity to settle their rivalry conclusively, although Holloway said afterward that he would be open to a third fight.
The bout marked McGregor’s first UFC appearance in five years. He had not competed since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. The latest injury now raises serious questions about whether the former two-division champion will be able to continue his fighting career.