Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC ended in disappointment on Saturday night after the former two-division champion suffered a first-round technical knockout (TKO) loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329.
McGregor appeared to injure his knee just over a minute into the contest while exchanging strikes with Holloway. The Irish fighter struggled to remain on his feet as Holloway pressed the advantage with follow-up attacks, prompting the referee to stop the bout at 1:09 of the opening round.
The defeat brings an abrupt end to McGregor’s highly anticipated comeback after spending more than five years away from UFC competition. The injury has also cast fresh uncertainty over the 37-year-old’s future inside the Octagon.
For Holloway, the victory adds another major win to his résumé, while McGregor now faces a new setback in his bid to revive his mixed martial arts career.
