Conor McGregor faced a disappointing return to the UFC on July 12, 2026, as he suffered a knee injury just 69 seconds into his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. McGregor, attempting to make a comeback after a serious leg injury in 2021, started the match with high kicks but quickly found himself on the canvas. The referee, Mike Beltran, halted the contest after McGregor appeared unsteady on his feet, declaring Holloway the winner by technical knockout.
McGregor's Struggles in Recent Fights
This latest defeat marks the seventh of McGregor's career, with only one win since 2016. Holloway, on the other hand, improved his record to 28 wins in 37 fights, seeking to avenge his earlier loss to McGregor in 2013. Holloway expressed disappointment over the abrupt ending, stating, "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 more time."
Controversies Surrounding McGregor
McGregor's return has been overshadowed by several controversies, including legal issues and an anti-doping violation. In November 2024, he lost a civil case to Nikita Hand, who accused him of assault. Additionally, he accepted an 18-month ban for missing three drug tests within a year, which concluded in March 2025. Despite these issues, UFC officials believed McGregor still held significant drawing power for the promotion.
Future Prospects for Holloway and McGregor
As Holloway makes his debut in the welterweight division, questions arise about his future. He previously dominated the featherweight category with a record-setting streak but has recently fought primarily at lightweight. Holloway's victory over McGregor could lead to a trilogy fight, depending on McGregor's next steps in the octagon.
- McGregor's last three fights: 0 wins, 3 losses
- Holloway's record after UFC 329: 28 wins, 37 fights
- McGregor's career defeats: 7
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Sport. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
