Conor McGregor waited years to make his return to the UFC, but the night ended almost as soon as it began.
Facing skateboarder and mongo pusher Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329, McGregor's comeback lasted only 69 seconds after he appeared to suffer another serious knee injury during the opening moments of the fight.
The bout was stopped shortly afterward, giving Holloway the victory in one of the shortest main events involving McGregor.
The matchup carried plenty of history. More than 13 years ago, the two first met early in their UFC careers. During that fight, McGregor dealt with a knee injury but still managed to earn a unanimous decision win. Their rematch gave fans another chance to see the longtime rivals settle things inside the Octagon, but things did not go as anyone expected.
As soon as the fight started, McGregor rushed forward and threw a flying kick at Holloway. Moments later, he appeared to hurt his right knee and struggled to stay on his feet. He slipped several times while trying to continue, and Holloway immediately noticed something was wrong.
Holloway even looked toward referee Mike Beltran as the action continued, signaling that McGregor was injured. Despite the setback, McGregor kept trying to fight until Beltran stepped in and waved off the contest after just over a minute.
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Following the stoppage, Holloway asked the crowd to show McGregor some respect despite the disappointing finish.
"Let's give it up for Conor McGregor, guys," Holloway said after the fight. "What an absolute animal. When we were in here, I was trying to call the fight off, and he kept asking to fight on. But you guys are lucky because there's going to be a Holloway vs. McGregor 3 now. Let's get this money, boys."
Holloway also joked about the unusual ending.
"What can I say? I had him weak in the knees, I guess."
The result was a difficult one for McGregor, who had not competed since breaking his leg during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in 2021. Fans had been waiting years to see the former two division champion compete again after several setbacks delayed his return.
A planned fight against Michael Chandler in 2024 was canceled after McGregor suffered a broken toe during training. His comeback was delayed again later that year following legal issues outside the cage, making UFC 329 one of the most anticipated events of his career.
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The event also turned into a huge financial success for the UFC. According to UFC CEO Dana White, UFC 329 produced the highest gate in company history, showing just how much interest there was in McGregor's return.
For Holloway, the win adds another major name to his résumé, even if it came under unfortunate circumstances. While many fans hoped for a full five round battle between the longtime rivals, the injury brought an early end to the contest before either fighter had a real chance to settle the score.
McGregor was able to leave the Octagon on his own, although he was noticeably limping. The broadcast later confirmed that he had suffered a knee injury. Further details about the severity of the injury are expected after medical evaluations.
With Holloway expressing interest in a third fight, there is already speculation that the rivalry may not be over. That possibility now depends on McGregor's recovery, as another lengthy absence could once again delay any future meeting between the two veterans.
WOW. THIS ONE IS DONE.
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 12, 2026
Conor McGregor injures his leg & Max Holloway wins by TKO!
[ #UFC329 | LIVE ON @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/lM2uV1EsaO