Updated

Updated · Honolulu Star-Advertiser · Jul 20

McGregor Confirms ACL, Meniscus Tears After 69-Second Holloway Loss, Targets Summer 2027 Return

Updated

Updated · Honolulu Star-Advertiser · Jul 20

McGregor Confirms ACL, Meniscus Tears After 69-Second Holloway Loss, Targets Summer 2027 Return

Q: At 38 with a shattered knee and a 1-4 record, is the Conor McGregor era in the UFC officially over?

As a championship-level force, yes; as a UFC attraction, not officially. The evidence points strongly to the end of McGregor’s elite era. He is 38, coming off a torn ACL suffered 69 seconds into his loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329, and he is now 1-4 in his last five UFC fights. His two most recent outings ended with major leg injuries, and his last win came years ago. In a sport that punishes layoffs and physical decline, that is a severe combination. The medical outlook is also unforgiving. An ACL tear means surgery, rehabilitation, and a long wait before he can even resume serious training, let alone prove he can still perform at top level. Dana White’s comments were telling: McGregor must recover physically, get medical clearance, and “find that fire” again. White also suggested McGregor has broader personal issues to sort out before any realistic comeback. That said, “officially over” is too absolute. McGregor has said he wants surgery, rehab, and one final UFC fight to complete his contract. White has not retired him, and the UFC knows McGregor remains one of the sport’s biggest commercial draws even if he is no longer a credible title threat. So the McGregor era that mattered competitively—the double-champion, division-shaking version—is effectively over. But the McGregor business era may not be, especially if the UFC believes one last event still has value.

3 articles · Updated · Honolulu Star-Advertiser · Jul 20

Conor McGregor said his July 11 comeback against Max Holloway ended with ACL and meniscus damage after he landed awkwardly on a jump kick and could not continue.
The 38-year-old said the injury mirrors the one from his first fight with Holloway 13 years ago, but this time in the opposite leg.
McGregor had said last week he would undergo surgery and still hopes to return for the final bout on his UFC contract by summer 2027.
He also pointed to early recovery progress, saying he is walking without a crutch and has resumed light quad work under resistance.