UFC 329 Results: Conor McGregor’s Comeback Ends in Heartbreak as Max Holloway Scores Injury TKO

The UFC’s annual International Fight Week concluded with one of the most anticipated events in promotional history, but UFC 329 will ultimately be remembered for an unfortunate injury that cut short Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the Octagon.

After nearly five years away from competition, McGregor headlined UFC 329 against former featherweight champion Max Holloway in a rematch more than a decade in the making. Instead of the back-and-forth striking battle fans expected, the contest ended just 69 seconds into the opening round when McGregor suffered a devastating knee injury after throwing a jumping kick. Referee Herb Dean immediately waved off the fight, awarding Holloway a first-round TKO victory due to injury.

McGregor’s Return Ends Almost Before It Begins

The atmosphere inside T-Mobile Arena reached a fever pitch as McGregor made his first UFC walk since 2021. However, the excitement disappeared almost instantly.

Seconds into the fight, McGregor launched a jumping left kick toward Holloway. Upon landing, his right knee buckled awkwardly. The Irish superstar immediately stumbled backward, unable to place weight on the injured leg as Holloway moved forward. Seeing McGregor unable to intelligently defend himself, the referee stopped the contest.

The official result goes into the books as a first-round TKO victory for Holloway via injury.

It was a heartbreaking ending for McGregor, whose comeback had generated months of anticipation after multiple delays throughout recent years. Following the bout, UFC President Dana White confirmed McGregor had sustained a significant knee injury and would undergo further medical evaluation.

For Holloway, the victory extends one of the most impressive résumés in MMA history, although even “Blessed” admitted afterward that this wasn’t the way he wanted to defeat one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Paddy Pimblett Makes His Statement

If there was one fighter whose stock skyrocketed Saturday night, it was Paddy Pimblett.

Facing dangerous French contender Benoit Saint Denis, Pimblett needed less than one minute to secure a guillotine choke submission. The dominant performance immediately placed “The Baddy” into the lightweight title conversation while reinforcing his position as one of the UFC’s fastest-rising attractions.

Robert Whittaker Impresses at Light Heavyweight

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker successfully debuted at 205 pounds with an impressive third-round TKO over Nikita Krylov.

The Australian looked physically stronger without sacrificing his trademark movement, leading many observers to wonder whether a permanent move to light heavyweight could revitalize his championship aspirations.

Gable Steveson Begins UFC Career in Style

Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson made an emphatic first impression inside the Octagon.

The decorated wrestler needed only one round to knock out Elisha Ellison, showcasing improved striking alongside the elite wrestling credentials that made him one of the UFC’s most anticipated heavyweight signings in years.

Other Notable Winners

Several fighters strengthened their standing during the event:

• Mario Bautista earned a significant unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen, moving closer to title contention.
• Brandon Royval submitted Lone’er Kavanagh in the third round to remain among the flyweight elite.
• King Green produced one of the night’s wildest finishes, rallying to stop Terrance McKinney with just one second remaining in the opening round.
• Adrian Yanez scored an impressive knockout victory over former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt.

Biggest Losers of UFC 329

Conor McGregor

There is no bigger question coming out of UFC 329 than what’s next for “The Notorious.”

McGregor’s return lasted barely over a minute before another serious leg injury halted his comeback. The setback raises immediate concerns regarding his future, especially given his lengthy layoff and history of significant injuries.

Whether he attempts another comeback or decides to walk away remains one of MMA’s biggest unanswered questions.

Cory Sandhagen

Sandhagen entered UFC 329 hoping to earn another opportunity at UFC gold. Instead, a decision loss to Mario Bautista pushes him further down an increasingly competitive bantamweight division.

Benoit Saint Denis

Saint Denis had an opportunity to establish himself as a legitimate lightweight contender but was overwhelmed almost immediately by Pimblett, making it one of the evening’s most surprising results.

Final Thoughts

While UFC 329 featured several breakout performances, the event will forever be remembered for the abrupt ending to Conor McGregor’s comeback.

Max Holloway officially earns another victory over one of MMA’s biggest names, Paddy Pimblett emerged as one of the night’s biggest stars, Robert Whittaker successfully launched his light heavyweight campaign, and Gable Steveson announced himself as a heavyweight prospect to watch.

Still, the image fans will remember is McGregor collapsing after just one kick—a cruel reminder of how quickly fortunes can change inside the Octagon. Instead of celebrating one of the greatest comeback stories in UFC history, the MMA world is once again left wondering whether it has seen the final fight of one of the sport’s most iconic figures.