LAS VEGAS: Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the UFC ended in disappointment on Saturday night after the Irish superstar suffered another serious leg injury during the opening minute of his welterweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
The contest at the T-Mobile Arena was stopped just 1 minute and 9 seconds into the first round, with Holloway being awarded a technical knockout (TKO) victory after McGregor was unable to continue.
McGregor’s comeback cut short
Competing in his first UFC fight in five years, McGregor struggled to find his footing early in the contest, slipping several times before attempting his first left-leg kick.
While landing, the 37-year-old appeared to suffer a serious injury to his right leg, immediately bringing an end to the bout.
The injury was particularly painful for McGregor, as it echoed his previous appearance in July 2021, when he broke his right tibia during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, forcing a doctor’s stoppage.
Following Saturday’s defeat, McGregor left the Octagon without speaking to broadcasters, raising fresh uncertainty over the future of his mixed martial arts career as he prepares to celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday.
Holloway calls for a rematch
Although Max Holloway improved his professional record to 28-9, the former featherweight champion admitted the fight ended before either man had the opportunity to showcase their abilities.
“We got to run it back. One more time. One more time for the boys,” Holloway said after the contest, expressing hope for a trilogy bout once McGregor has fully recovered.
Paddy Pimblett earns quick submission win
In the lightweight co-main event, England’s Paddy Pimblett delivered another impressive performance by submitting France’s Benoit Saint Denis just 52 seconds into the opening round.
Pimblett initially threatened with a guillotine choke before smoothly transitioning into a D’Arce choke, forcing Saint Denis to tap out almost immediately.
The victory improved Pimblett’s professional record to 24-4.
Bautista boosts title hopes
Elsewhere on the main card, bantamweight contender Mario Bautista earned a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Cory Sandhagen.
All three judges scored the contest 29-28 in Bautista’s favour after he secured a decisive knockdown in the third round.
The win strengthens Bautista’s credentials for a future UFC bantamweight title opportunity.
Royval and Green produce memorable finishes
In the flyweight division, Brandon Royval staged a dramatic comeback to defeat England’s Lone’er Kavanagh via third-round rear-naked choke after surviving multiple knockdowns earlier in the fight.
Meanwhile, veteran lightweight King Green produced one of the night’s most dramatic finishes, knocking out Terrance McKinney with just one second remaining in the opening round after escaping a difficult position moments earlier.
Despite several entertaining performances across the card, the night ultimately belonged to the unfortunate story of McGregor, whose eagerly awaited return ended almost as soon as it began, leaving fans once again wondering when—or if—the former champion will compete inside the Octagon again.
