"We’ll Be Back" - Conor McGregor issues first statement since crushing loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329
(Courtesy : UFC)
Former UFC champion breaks his silence after UFC 329 injury and vows to return.
Conor McGregor has broken his silence following the heartbreaking end to his long-awaited UFC comeback, sending a defiant message to fans just days after suffering a devastating injury against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
The former two-division UFC champion marked his 38th birthday on July 14 by sharing a video on Instagram alongside his wife, Dee Devlin, while celebrating with a can of his MAC Energy drink. More importantly, the post included his first public comments since his return ended in disappointment after only 69 seconds.
Although doctors reportedly suspect McGregor suffered a torn ACL, the Irish superstar made it clear that retirement is not on his mind.
Conor McGregor sends a clear message about the setback
In the birthday video, McGregor looked determined despite the setback, repeatedly delivering a message aimed directly at his supporters.
“We’ll be back! We’ll be back!”
Alongside the clip, McGregor thanked fans for their birthday wishes while embracing a positive outlook despite the circumstances.
“I am 38 years of age today! 38, no hate! Just love ❤️.”
The post marked McGregor’s first public appearance since the injury abruptly ended his comeback after nearly five years away from active competition.
While no official timetable has been announced for his recovery, McGregor has already indicated that he intends to fight again once he has fully recovered.
UFC 329 comeback ended after just 69 seconds
McGregor’s highly anticipated return came to a sudden end during the opening minute of his fight against Max Holloway.
Just 69 seconds into the contest, McGregor landed awkwardly while attempting a jumping kick and immediately showed signs of serious discomfort.
Unable to place weight on his right leg, the former champion was unable to continue, prompting referee Mike Beltran to stop the fight at the 1:09 mark.
The injury occurred on the opposite leg from the one McGregor fractured during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
Following the event, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that doctors believed McGregor had likely suffered a torn ACL, although further medical evaluation was expected. McGregor later addressed the injury on X, admitting he was stunned by what had happened.
“This came out of nowhere.”
He explained that he had repeatedly thrown the same kick throughout training camp without experiencing any discomfort, making the injury even more surprising.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan later offered his own technical assessment, explaining that landing awkwardly after a jumping kick can place tremendous stress on the knee and potentially result in serious ligament damage.
While McGregor’s comeback ended in heartbreak, UFC 329 still delivered memorable moments elsewhere on the card, including Paddy Pimblett’s impressive first-round submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event.
For now, McGregor faces another lengthy rehabilitation process. However, if his latest message is any indication, the former champion remains determined to write another chapter in one of mixed martial arts’ most remarkable careers.
What was Conor McGregor’s first statement after UFC 329?
McGregor posted a birthday video on Instagram in which he repeatedly said, “We’ll be back!” while thanking fans for their support.
What injury did Conor McGregor reportedly suffer?
According to Dana White, doctors suspect McGregor suffered a torn ACL after his knee buckled during the opening minute of his fight against Max Holloway.
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