Conor McGregor speaks out on 38th birthday after injury loss in UFC 329 Max Holloway rematch
Conor McGregor has put forth a message on his birthday after having suffered an injury-marred defeat in his comeback fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
Conor McGregor has put forth a heartwarming message on the occasion of his birthday. The date of July 14, 2026, marked "The Mac's" 38th birthday, which he celebrated with his longtime partner Dee Devlin (aka Dee McGregor).
McGregor's aforementioned message comes in the aftermath of a seemingly gruesome leg injury that he suffered in his first UFC matchup after a five-year hiatus from the sport of MMA.
Conor McGregor faced an injury-ridden defeat in his high-profile rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329
Conor McGregor suffered a broken left leg in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, a lightweight bout which headlined UFC 264 back in the month of July in 2021.
A long and arduous road to recovery ensued, which was followed by McGregor being booked to face ex-Bellator lightweight champion and current UFC star Michael Chandler. The Irishman was to fight Chandler in a welterweight contest that would've headlined UFC 303 in June of 2024.
They'd even previously served as rival coaches on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show, for its 31st season. Unfortunately, the McGregor-Chandler fight didn't come to fruition because "Mystic Mac" sustained a toe injury a few weeks before UFC 303. Their fight was said to have been postponed, but it was later canceled altogether.
Ultimately, McGregor returned in a welterweight contest against Max Holloway, which headlined UFC 329 on July 11. He'd bested Holloway by unanimous decision at featherweight way back in 2013.
But their rematch at UFC 329, last Saturday, saw the Hawaiian even the score by winning via first-round TKO, as McGregor suffered a right leg injury at the beginning after a missed jumping/flying kick.
Conor McGregor speaks on video after his stunning injury-induced defeat, vows to return
Max Holloway immediately called for a trilogy fight against Conor McGregor after the anticlimactic outcome to their rematch. Presently, it's unclear as to whether the UFC would book that fight.
It's also unknown as to when McGregor would be able to recover and return, for what would be the final fight of his current UFC contract.
That said, McGregor made multiple posts via his official X and Instagram handles, asserting that his belief in God remains as strong as ever despite the setback at UFC 329.
Furthermore, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion put forth an Instagram post featuring a video message from himself and his wife Dee Devlin on his 38th birthday.
On one hand, McGregor and Devlin appeared to savor a "Mac Energy" Macberry Lychee-flavored drink, drawing attention to the MMA icon's new energy drink brand.
On the other hand, McGregor also alluded to his future in the fight game, indicating that he does indeed intend to come back and compete.
Turning the camera to himself, McGregor, with a thumbs-up gesture, smilingly indicated that it was his birthday and stated, "Happy birthday to 'The Mac.' We'll be back." He appeared to beamingly reaffirm and add, "We'll be back. Come on."
McGregor is known to be a devout Christian and has consistently affirmed his beliefs in God, often speaking about how he's grown into a more spiritual and religious person in recent times.
The legendary athlete has time and again expressed his belief in Jesus Christ, making multiple public statements about his faith even while dealing with the aftermath of his gruesome leg injury and several conspiracy theories.
Reiterating his beliefs, McGregor said, "In the name of The Father, Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen. I'll be back... Let's go. I know."
McGregor ended the video by praying followed by another thumbs-up gesture. Moreover, the written statement in the Instagram post read as follows, "Thank you for all the birthday messages everyone! I am 38 years of age today! 38, no hate! Just love."
Check out Conor McGregor's vibrant message, alongside Dee Devlin, after UFC 329 in the Instagram post below:
