Conor McGregor limped out of the T‑Mobile Arena after his famed strut, ending his bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The 37‑year‑old striker, who has not fought since a broken leg in 2021, was seen hobbling as the bell rang. McGregor dismissed earlier injury rumors, posting on X that he had no injuries before the fight.

The result marked a turning point for the UFC’s headline hierarchy. Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett, who finished Benoit Saint‑Denis in 52 seconds, declared the event a "changing of the guard" and hinted he could become the new face of the promotion. Islam Makhachev congratulated Max Holloway on a win that cemented his status as the top welterweight.

McGregor’s exit arrives amid fresh legal turmoil. A 2024 civil verdict forced him to pay £206,000 in damages after a jury found he sexually assaulted a woman. He has since denied the allegations, claiming innocence. The verdict and his recent injury scare could erode fan support and complicate his final title‑shot fight.

For the UFC, Holloway’s victory and McGregor’s withdrawal shift spotlight to emerging stars. Fans will watch how the promotion reallocates its top billing while McGregor’s future fights face heightened scrutiny and potential contractual fallout.