Conor McGregor's UFC return ends in first-round knee injury loss to Max Holloway

Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the UFC after five years ended abruptly at 1:09 of the first round on Saturday night, as he suffered a knee injury while attempting a flying kick. The bout, headlining UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, saw McGregor land awkwardly on his right knee and immediately signal he could not continue, resulting in a TKO victory for Max Holloway. Source: AP News

What happened

McGregor started the fight with a flying left roundhouse kick but landed badly. He tried to throw additional strikes but was clearly compromised. Referee stoppage followed soon after. The injury is suspected to be an ACL tear, according to UFC President Dana White. Source: AP News This marks the second major leg injury for McGregor, who broke his left leg in 2021 against Dustin Poirier. Source: CNA

Reaction and other bouts

Holloway, who won by TKO, expressed interest in a rematch, saying, "We've got to run it back one more time." Source: CNA The co-main event saw Paddy Pimblett choke out Benoit Saint-Denis in 52 seconds. In the main card opener, King Green staged a dramatic comeback TKO of Terrance McKinney. Source: CNN