McGregor vs Holloway LIVE!
Conor McGregor’s UFC future looks to be in major doubt after he suffered a serious-looking injury blow on his long-awaited return to the octagon. McGregor’s high-profile comeback at UFC 329 against Max Holloway on Saturday night following five years out of action lasted just 69 seconds due to a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee sustained almost immediately as he landed badly following an attempted flying kick. McGregor’s pain was instantly apparent and he slipped to the canvas a few times in quick succession before the referee had to wave off proceedings.
The result goes down as a TKO victory for Holloway, who insists that a trilogy fight between the pair will now happen. However, another lengthy lay-off for McGregor - who turns 38 next week - will lead to inevitable questions about his status in the sport, following the horrific broken leg he sustained in the first round on his last outing against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Paddy Pimblett bounced back from his brutal loss to Justin Gaethje in emphatic style as he choked out Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds in the co-main event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, after Mario Bautista got revenge on Cory Sandhagen following impressive earlier wins for Brandon Royval and King Green over Lone'er Kavanagh and Terrance McKinney respectively, plus debutant Gable Steveson and Liverpool’s Luke Riley. Follow UFC 329 reaction live below!
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Conor McGregor comeback ended early by knee injury
Replays show McGregor clearly appeared to hurt his right knee straight away there while coming flying out of the blocks and trying to land an immediate acrobatic left kick, landing badly on that right leg.
He looks absolutely devastated, understandably.
Holloway knew he was hurt and didn’t want to inflict any unnecessary damage, telling the referee to stop it.
Holloway goes to console McGregor as he sits slumped on his stool against the cage, no doubt raising the prospect of a third fight between them.
Holloway is the winner by TKO, but it’s not the way he would have wanted it after working so hard to prepare for his welterweight debut.
This is after McGregor’s last fight five years ago against Dustin Poirier ended with a horrific leg break in the first round.
You have to wonder if that’s the last we’ve seen of him in the octagon.
Conor McGregor's UFC return ends in 69 seconds after injury
Oh dear.
McGregor slips once again and it quickly becomes very clear that he’s badly injured.
He can barely stand and won’t be able to continue as the fight is waved off after only 69 seconds of round one.
What an anti-climax.
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway
HERE WE GO!
McGregor is on his back early after slipping while trying to throw out some early kicks.
He went straight for a flying left kick there and may have hurt himself...
Conor McGregor back in UFC after five years
Here he is!
Traditional Celtic music gives way to ‘Hypnotise’ by The Notorious B.I.G. and McGregor strolls to the octagon, with that new mohawk and very styled beard.
Once inside, he delivers his signature ‘billionaire strut’.
The T-Mobile Arena crowd are loving seeing all of this again from the biggest star in MMA and UFC history.
We will be underway after the final introductions from Bruce Buffer.
Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway next
Not much time to dwell on that stunning statement submission win from Paddy Pimblett as we move straight on to tonight’s massive UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas.
Max Holloway is on his way to the octagon as he prepares for a second fight with Conor McGregor, who is about to compete in the UFC for the first time since July 2021.
Strap in, folks. This should be anything but dull...
Paddy Pimblett pays further tribute to Diogo Jota
Liverpool fan Pimblett leads the T-Mobile Arena crowd in a chant in memory of late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, following the recent one-year anniversary of his death in a car accident.
It was otherwise a typically outspoken, confident and expletive-laden post-fight interview from Pimblett with Joe Rogan, insisting he will fight anyone next and “punch their f*****g heads in” - from Ilia Topuria to Justin Gaethje.
Paddy Pimblett submits Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds
Absolutely astonishing from Paddy Pimblett.
Saint Denis just cannot escape that ruthless guillotine choke but refuses to tap and looks to be unconscious on the mat.
The referee raises his arm and it falls floppy, so the fight is off after only 52 seconds.
What a win and what an answer to that brutal first UFC loss to Justin Gaethje in January.
‘Paddy the Baddy’ is right back in that lightweight title mix.
Could we see a rematch with Gaethje? He’s in the crowd tonight...
Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis
Pimblett starts incredibly fast and has a tight guillotine locked in within seconds!
Wow. Saint Denis is in major trouble here and may already be out cold after scrambling to try and release that iron grip.
Conor McGregor looks to have gone for a full mohawk tonight.
An interesting choice...
Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis
The signature dancing continues as Pimblett plays up to this adoring crowd.
Saint Denis’ walk to the octagon couldn’t be more contrasting, serious and understated.
The ‘God of War’ is draped in the French flag.