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Conor McGregor’s UFC return ends in 69 seconds after knee injury against Max Holloway
Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC ended in disappointment Saturday night when a knee injury forced him to stop his bout against Max Holloway just 1:09 into the opening round of UFC 329.
McGregor, fighting for the first time in more than five years, opened the welterweight matchup with a flying left roundhouse kick but landed awkwardly on his right knee. After attempting a few more strikes, it became clear the former champion could not continue in the scheduled five-round fight.
McGregor later said the injury occurred unexpectedly, claiming he entered the bout healthy and had trained without any issues leading up to the fight.
“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed,” McGregor said. “I had no injury going into the fight. This came out of nowhere.”
UFC President Dana White said there were no signs of an injury during Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in and suggested McGregor may have suffered a serious knee injury, possibly a torn ACL.
“Five years off in this sport is rough,” White said. “We’re assuming a blown ACL.”
Holloway, who was favored heading into the fight, said he immediately noticed something was wrong and urged referee Mike Beltran to stop the bout after seeing McGregor’s condition.
“When I saw him hurt, I said, ‘Call this; he’s hurt,’” Holloway said. “I just hope for a speedy recovery.”
McGregor received a loud ovation from the sold-out crowd as he made his walk to the cage, entering to The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” for his first fight since a loss more than five years earlier.
The event also featured a surprise appearance from Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who served as a guest ring girl before the main event.
Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett delivered one of the night’s fastest finishes, defeating Benoit Saint Denis by first-round submission in just 52 seconds. Pimblett blocked a kick, secured a D’Arce choke, and quickly forced the stoppage.
“Light work,” Pimblett said afterward.
Mario Bautista earned a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen in a bantamweight matchup, using pressure and a strong striking attack throughout the fight.
Brandon Royval defeated Lone’er Kavanagh by submission in the third round of their flyweight bout, securing a rear-naked choke at the 3:40 mark.
The main card opened with a stunning comeback by King Green, who survived heavy punishment before landing a decisive right hand against Terrance McKinney late in the first round. Green followed up with strikes to earn a TKO victory with only one second remaining in the opening frame.
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