Conor McGregor confirms surgery and return to fulfil UFC contract after knee injury suffered in Max Holloway defeat
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Published 13/07/2026 at 22:52 GMT+1
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Conor McGregor will undergo knee surgery to fix the injury he suffered in defeat to Max Holloway at UFC 329, the mixed martial artist confirmed via a social media post. McGregor also stated he would return to the UFC to fulfil his contract.
Full fight replay: McGregor makes UFC comeback against Holloway
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Irishman has one fight remaining on his contract, which is yet to be extended, with his long-term future in the sport still unclear.
McGregor lasted just 69 seconds in his welterweight bout against Holloway, appearing to damage his knee after swinging wildly with several kicks and landing awkwardly.
The 37-year-old took to social media to announce he planned to go through with surgery and return to the Octagon after rehabilitation.
”All things work out for my good,” McGregor wrote on Instagram. ”All things are possible for me because I am a believer. Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract.
"My lifestyle changes are permanent and not just until. I am thankful I get to prove it. I am in sin city and remain completely devoid of all sin. I will not open that door nor crack its seal! I am already back to collecting wins! In Jesus name I pray!"
McGregor's previous fight also ended in a serious lower-body injury, breaking his leg during a defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
There were five years between his loss to Poirier and to Holloway, who he fought for the first time in 2013, winning via unanimous decision.
Winning just once since claiming the lightweight belt by defeating Eddie Alvarez in 2016, McGregor's recent UFC record reads four defeats and one victory.
Immediately after his latest loss, McGregor dispelled rumours that he was injured coming into the bout on Saturday, July 11 by posting on social media.
”My head gasket is gone,” wrote McGregor. ”Destroyed. I had no injury/injuries going into the fight. 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.”
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Holloway has not given up hope of running it back with McGregor once more, calling for a trilogy after his win at the T-Mobile Arena.
"Let's give it up for Conor McGregor," said Holloway. "What an absolute animal. I was trying to call this fight, and [he] kept trying to fight on.
"But guys are lucky, because there's going to be a Holloway versus McGregor 3 now! Let's get this f****** money, boys!
"What can I say? I had him weak in the knees, I guess. It is what it is. I'm going to sit down with the UFC. So much hype for that, right? Damn. We got to run it back one more time. We need one more.
"I was looking forward to it. I worked my a** off to get to 170 to fight this guy. It sucks. At least I get to go back to the craps tables now, so see me there."
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