Conor McGregor exits UFC 329 after 69 seconds due to knee injury

Conor McGregor made a brief return to the octagon at UFC 329 on June 2, 2024, facing former featherweight champion Max Holloway in a bout that ended after just 69 seconds. The fight, scheduled as a 5‑round contest, was cut short when McGregor suffered a knee injury early in the opening round, forcing the referee to stop the action and award Holloway a technical knockout victory.

McGregor, who had been absent from competition for more than a year, had been touted as a potential headline draw after his 2022 comeback win over Nate Diaz. Holloway, who has fought in both featherweight and lightweight divisions, had been on a winning streak leading into the matchup. The injury, reported as a torn meniscus, was confirmed by the medical staff following the stoppage, and McGregor was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

The result leaves McGregor’s future in the UFC uncertain, as he will need to undergo rehabilitation before returning to competition. Holloway’s win keeps him in contention for a title shot in the lightweight division, while the Irishman’s injury may prompt a reassessment of his career trajectory.