How the Biggest Comeback in UFC History Derailed in a Matter of Seconds at UFC 329

Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 return was billed as potentially the biggest in the sport's history. The last time we saw ‘The Notorious’, he was slumped against the side of the octagon with a broken leg, yelling expletives at Dustin Poirier. That was five years ago.

On Saturday night, the Mac was back, competing at welterweight for the fourth time in his illustrious career. McGregor was facing a former foe, Max Holloway, in a fight 13 years in the making after he defeated the Hawaiian across three rounds in 2013.

What played out has armchair experts asking plenty of questions and wondering if that was the last time that we will see the biggest star in UFC history compete inside the octagon.

UFC 329, Conor McGregor and The Fallout

Pre-Fight

Before the fight had even started, it appeared that McGregor was potentially ‘back’. He played the psychological mind games that allowed him to knock out Jose Aldo in 14 seconds all those years ago. At the press conference before the UFC 329 main event, McGregor showed his opponent little respect, preferring to berate him in a fairly jovial manner. Jokes were had on stage; the Irishman broke out into a chorus of ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, but that changed when the two main eventers faced off.

McGregor faced off with Holloway, instantly ripping off his sunglasses and throwing them away, forcing Holloway into an intense head-to-head.

Weighing in, there weren’t any issues for either man, predictably so, as both men have held the UFC’s 145lbs title. The ceremonial weigh-ins saw a more relaxed McGregor this time, having a respectful face-off with Holloway, and he was far less intense than we’ve seen him previously at this stage of fight week. There was no grabbing of the mic from Joe Rogan, as we saw against Nate Diaz, no attempted strikes thrown, and no security needed.

Fight Night

Coming into fight night, we got our classic McGregor entrance into the arena, donning a suit and looking supremely confident. One thing had changed, however. The 37-year-old now sported a mohawk, a throwback to a haircut he had earlier in his career.

Make way for The Notorious 🇮🇪@TheNotoriousMMA | #UFC329 pic.twitter.com/WJbW40e0nM

— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026 

Footage has emerged of McGregor warming up before the fight, drilling the kick that would ultimately end it all. He was shown to repeatedly be throwing the flying switch kick, although at one point, it appears that he looks down and checks his right knee. 

With that being said, he then goes on to throw further combinations, including bearing weight on the right leg. All appeared well… for now.

Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 walkout was different to his usual walkouts. Granted, it’s been five years since we saw him last, and a lot has changed, but it was certainly unusual. He seemed intense, yes, but somewhat distant. How much can we read into body language? Not much, especially as a lay person. But what the eyes can’t deny is that he was reluctant to bear weight on his leg when taking off his trainers.

If he hadn’t suffered an injury, no one would take a second look at this moment, but because he did, everyone is over-analysing it.

What was also obvious was how detached from the moment McGregor seemed during the introductions. Looking outside of the octagon, waving to fans, blowing kisses to the crowd, everything just felt ‘off’.

The Fight Itself

Finally, after five years away, the UFC had its biggest ever star back, and it was time to see what, if anything, he had left in the tank. McGregor sprinted across the octagon and opened up with a jumping switch kick. This is where it all went wrong for the Irishman.

Just like that, it was over. He landed awkwardly on his leg and instantly winced in pain, instinctively reaching down to the knee. He sprang back up, attempting a rear high kick from the southpaw stance, forcing his entire weight through the seemingly injured right knee, but flopped to his back, unable to carry his own weight. Even a simple rear straight was too much for him; as he attempted it, he fell forward onto both knees before conceding and falling to his back. 

Holloway was aware of this, making the referee aware that McGregor was injured and not fit to fight. Credit to the Mac, however, as he called Holloway on, telling him ‘fight me, fight me’ whilst on his back.

The former BMF champ allowed McGregor back to his feet, but again informed the referee that his opponent was compromised. 

A leg kick to the non-injured leg forced McGregor to bear weight on his injured limb, and after several steps forward, it was clear that the Irishman couldn’t continue. A bitter, inconclusive end to a potential blockbuster of a fight.

The Aftermath

Inconclusive. Disappointing. Anti-Climactic. There are plenty of ways to describe McGregor’s UFC 329 comeback, but a picture says 1000 words. Seeing the megastar, a man who broke records, had the world at his feet, had people chasing cars he was driving in just to get a picture of him, slumped, yet again, against the side of the cage, looking perplexed by what had just played out, sums up the feeling.

Of course, pre-fight injury is going to be speculated, however, the Mac himself has confirmed, as has his coach, John Kavanagh, that he was healthy heading into the bout. After UFC 329, McGregor walked out of the octagon, no interview. He walked backstage, devastated and walked out of the arena, no shirt, no crutches, just a shell of a man with a heavy limp.

He took to X to air his views on the fight:

He suggests a return is likely to happen; however, we know that regardless of whether the mind is willing, the body may not be able to hold up.