Conor McGregor announces surgery, addresses UFC future after devastating UFC 329 injury
As the dust settles on one of the more bizarre and anticlimactic weekends in UFC history, Conor McGregor is vowing to fight on.
Two days after his long-awaited comeback fight ended in disaster at UFC 329, McGregor posted a lengthy update to social media Monday announcing he plans to undergo surgery and complete the final fight of his UFC contract, as originally intended.
McGregor lost his rematch against Max Holloway this past Saturday at UFC 329 after he appeared to injure his knee in the opening seconds of his first bout since 2021. The fight ultimately lasted just 69 seconds, with Holloway winning by TKO and McGregor failing to land a single significant strike.
McGregor’s latest statement:
My faith is unconditional and I am thankful I get to prove it! 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!
Church was intense today, my heart is heavy but through Christ my mind is STRONG! I am so grateful to see my family fall more in love with God each day! I am a child of God. I am a friend of God. God makes a way for me where there seems to be no way. I am not a victim of my circumstances, I overcome them. God is at work in me to will and to work his good pleasure! My youth is being renewed like the eagles! In Jesus I am thoroughly loved, cherished, adored. I walk in divine health. I live under supernatural protection.
All things work out for my good! 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. Please God! I trust in You Lord! Show me Your way. Thank You God
A former featherweight and lightweight champion, McGregor entered Saturday night with two fights remaining on his UFC contract and was expected to return again sometime in early 2027. Ahead of UFC 329, McGregor told Uncrowned that he and promotional officials had already worked out a timeline for both bouts, with April 2027 being the target date for his return after the Holloway rematch. McGregor also confirmed an interest in exploring free agency after the completion of his contract.
“I’m going to [test free agency],” McGregor told Uncrowned. “If it is an unbelievable [UFC] deal, [then it’ll be] signed, for sure. I know you want me free. You want me out here. I’m the highest paid [fighter]. I don’t want to get into this finance, but I’m the highest paid times f***ing — probably four times the highest paid. Times four, maybe, probably even five.
“I know Turki [Alalshikh] is spending, propping these guys up. Let’s see. I’m a UFC fighter, contracted to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, with an amazing event in the White House. And now we have the Mac back. I’m happy to be back. Let’s go to work.”
As it stands, that goal appears to remains in place for McGregor, despite the unlucky end to Saturday’s comeback bout.
