Conor McGregor announced plans to undergo surgery following his first-round loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 and intends to compete again afterward. The event took place Saturday in Las Vegas, marking McGregor’s first appearance in five years.
During the welterweight bout, McGregor (22-7) appeared to injure his right knee in the opening seconds against Holloway. Although he has not disclosed a formal diagnosis, he confirmed his goal to have surgery and then participate in the final fight of his UFC contract.
On Monday, McGregor wrote on Instagram, “Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again.” He added, “Final fight of the contract. Praise God!”
In the days leading to UFC 329, McGregor, who turns 38 on Tuesday, spoke about his desire to return to routine activity. His contractual status with the UFC was being closely followed before the fight. The former two-weight champion has competed exclusively under the UFC banner since 2013 and rose to international prominence during that span.
There has been no public statement from the UFC regarding McGregor’s next steps. CEO Dana White previously commented that he had five ideas for McGregor’s next opponent if he had defeated Holloway.
McGregor’s history of injuries includes a torn ACL in 2013, which occurred during his first meeting with Holloway in a featherweight bout. Two years later, before his interim title fight against Chad Mendes in 2015, McGregor competed with a partially torn ACL. He broke his left leg during a first-round loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021 and withdrew from a scheduled fight against Michael Chandler in 2024 due to a broken toe.
Beyond medical setbacks, McGregor has faced personal challenges outside the Octagon. In 2024, he was the subject of a civil ruling in a sexual assault case. McGregor has maintained innocence in that matter and was never charged criminally.
Following the UFC 329 loss, McGregor addressed his injury, mindset, and faith on social media. “My faith is unconditional and I am thankful to get to prove it!” he wrote. He added, “My lifestyle changes are permanent and not just until. I am thankful to get prove it. I am in Sin City and remain completely devoid of sin. I will not open that door nor crack its seal! I am already back to collecting wins! In Jesus name I pray!”
The statement came amid renewed attention on McGregor’s physical health and long-term plans in the sport. His Instagram post reiterated gratitude and referenced his commitment to maintaining discipline during recovery. The message reflected his decision to stay grounded following the loss.
UFC 329 ended after McGregor’s injury on the opening exchange, making Holloway the victor in the welterweight matchup. The bout was held in Las Vegas as part of the event’s main card.
No additional medical details were made available beyond McGregor’s confirmation of planned surgery. The recovery timeline, nature of the surgery, and next competition date have not been revealed.
The upcoming procedure marks another chapter in McGregor’s competitive journey, which includes multiple comebacks and prior injuries. It also aligns with his intent to fulfill the remaining fight on his existing UFC contract.
McGregor’s announcement closed with both determination and faith, signaling focus on health, rehabilitation, and an eventual return to martial arts practice after surgery. His remarks underscored the social media message in which he described the path forward as combining physical restoration with personal conviction.