Conor McGregor reveals torn ACL, meniscus cartilage

Field Level Media|published: Sun 19th July, 14:22 2026

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor reacts after suffering an injury the ended his fight with Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Conor McGregor revealed on his Instagram page on Sunday that he injured the ACL and meniscus cartilage in his right knee during the opening moments of his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway on July 11.

Holloway was declared the winner by TKO just 69 seconds into their welterweight fight in Las Vegas. McGregor appeared to favor his right leg after attempting two kicks with his left leg, then he fell on his back and tried to parry Holloway's blows.

"Update: It was acl and meniscus," McGregor posted on his account. "It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking."

The 38-year-old Ireland native, who had not stepped into the Octagon for a UFC fight since July 10, 2021, defeated Holloway by decision when they met the first time on Aug. 17, 2013. After that fight, McGregor needed 11 months to recover before facing his next foe.

"With today's regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods it is well within my realm to return by next summer," McGregor wrote. "I am walking without a crutch. I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue."

McGregor plans to undergo surgery as part of his rehabilitation before he returns for one more UFC fight.

"On we go," he wrote. "No sad stories."

As he goes, McGregor presumably will be watching Sunday's World Cup final with great interest. He also posted his $100,000 betting ticket on Instagram. If Argentina defeats Spain 3-2 in regulation, then McGregor will cash out for $3.6 million.

--Field Level Media