Conor McGregor will undergo surgery after suffering a right knee injury in the opening seconds of his first-round loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The 38-year-old Irish star (22-7), making his first appearance in five years, announced on Instagram: "Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Praise God!"

McGregor's injury history includes a torn ACL in 2013 during his first clash with Holloway, a partially torn ACL ahead of his 2015 interim title fight against Chad Mendes, a broken left leg in his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, and a broken toe that forced withdrawal from a 2024 bout with Michael Chandler. UFC CEO Dana White had five potential opponents lined up had McGregor defeated Holloway.

Beyond health setbacks, McGregor faced a 2024 civil ruling in a sexual assault case, though he maintains innocence and was never criminally charged. He emphasized permanent lifestyle changes and faith: "My faith is unconditional... I am in Sin City and remain completely devoid of sin." The former two-weight champion intends to return for the final fight of his UFC contract.