Conor McGregor has explained why he was able to defeat Max Holloway despite tearing his ACL in their first fight in 2013 but couldn’t continue after suffering a knee injury during their rematch at UFC 329.
This past weekend at UFC 329, “The Notorious” returned to the octagon after 5 long years to run it back with Holloway. However, his comeback bout lasted only 69 seconds. McGregor injured his right knee while throwing a wild flying kick, after which he kept falling to the ground and was not able to put pressure on his lead leg.
Once referee Mike Beltran saw that McGregor was not fit to continue, he decided to stop the bout, and Holloway was declared the winner by TKO (injury).
Conor McGregor explains why he could not continue fighting at UFC 329
Earlier today on X, a netizen asked the Irishman to explain how he fought Max Holloway with a torn ACL in 2013 but couldn’t do the same at UFC 329.
Conor McGregor explained that in the first bout, he did not injure his lead leg, aka the right one. Thus, he was still able to strike well, score takedowns, and control “Blessed.” However, this time, it was his lead leg that got injured right away, and thus every movement of his was affected. Lastly, “The Notorious” added that at UFC 329, he was not the one who was calling for the bout to be stopped. He wrote on X:
“The first fight was midway through the second round, and we were positioned on the canvas where there was no weight bearing necessary. It was also the left leg, which is my back leg in fighting stance. When you strike, you move onto your lead leg, so the effect was less. I was able to strike sufficiently and enter into a takedown. This current one was my lead leg. The right leg. Every movement was affected. It was also not me who was calling for the fight to be waved.”
Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:
At UFC 329, despite Holloway urging the referee to stop the fight, McGregor was willing to continue through the injury and even asked the Hawaiian to keep fighting until Beltran decided he could no longer continue.
Several fans also pointed out that McGregor appeared tense before the fight began. Responding to them, the Irishman added:
“Heart rate low 40’s. I was as calm and as ready as I have ever been for a fight. I am devastated. Shockingly cruel outcome.”
Lastly, the Dubliner also added that he “is getting closer,” and when he comes back, his next bout “has to be” a trilogy with Max Holloway.
Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:
