Dana White suspects McGregor blew ACL seconds into UFC 329 loss to Holloway

Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the Octagon lasted only seconds at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 12, as the Irishman crumpled to the canvas with a suspected ACL tear in the opening exchange of his rematch with Max Holloway, prompting the referee to wave off the bout.

UFC CEO Dana White told reporters at the post-fight press conference that he believes McGregor’s right ACL gave out, though he acknowledged he had not yet spoken directly to the fighter and was awaiting MRI results to confirm the diagnosis.

“Listen, everybody who knows anything about the fight business, and it’s been a big topic of discussion up to this fight: five years off in this sport is rough,” White said. “I was expecting at least a one-round war, or who knew what Conor was capable of as far as cardio or whatever else after a five-year layoff. Well, there you go. We’re assuming a blown ACL. I’m no doctor, but that’s what I figured when I saw it. Doctors think the same thing, too.”

McGregor appeared to land awkwardly while attempting a kick in the opening seconds, then struggled to stay upright before the stoppage was called. The UFC 329 broadcast also captured McGregor wincing after a short jump while entering the Octagon, though White denied any prior knowledge of a pre-existing injury. “If there was a pre-existing injury, somebody would’ve noticed it,” he said.

The injury carries a painful echo for McGregor: he suffered a torn ACL in his very first fight against Holloway back in 2013, a bout that was stopped for the same reason.

McGregor himself addressed the situation on X, firmly rejecting any suggestion he entered the fight compromised. “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury/injuries going into the fight,” the former two-division champion wrote. “I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”

The result marks a devastating end to McGregor’s comeback after more than five years away from competition, and raises serious questions about his future in the sport at 37 years old. Further details on the extent of the injury are expected once MRI results are available.