McGregor's return ends in quick loss after five-year layoff

Swift defeat after long absence

Irish MMA superstar Conor McGregor made his return to the octagon on Saturday, July 11, after nearly five years away, but his comeback was brief and painful. Fighting Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, McGregor lost by technical knockout in the first round, with the bout lasting just 69 seconds.

Early in the fight, McGregor attempted an ambitious spinning kick, but fell and injured his right leg. Though there are suggestions the injury may have occurred before the fight, the Irishman tried a similar move again, losing his balance and failing to reach his opponent. As he continued to stumble, McGregor could no longer hide his pain and grabbed his leg after taking a step, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

Holloway wants third fight

This was the second meeting between the two fighters. In 2013, McGregor won. After the rematch, Holloway expressed a desire for a third bout.

McGregor, a former UFC champion in two weight classes, had last fought on July 10, 2021, losing to Dustin Poirier due to a left leg fracture. Holloway, meanwhile, had fought eight times in that period.

Outside the octagon, McGregor was found guilty of a sexual offense by a Dublin court in November 2024 and ordered to pay €248,000 in compensation.

Fighter careers

McGregor has 22 wins in 29 fights, 19 by knockout. He has been the main event in eight of the ten best-selling UFC pay-per-view events.

Holloway, also a former UFC champion, has 28 wins in 37 bouts, 15 of them finishes. From 2014 to 2018, he won 13 consecutive fights, twice knocking out Jose Aldo and putting on a masterclass against Brian Ortega.