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Conor McGregor has now confirmed that he tore his ACL and meniscus at UFC 329.

Earlier this month, “The Notorious” made his long-awaited return after a five-year hiatus in the main event of UFC 329 to run it back with Max Holloway. However, just moments after the opening bell, the Irishman injured his right knee while throwing a flying roundhouse kick.

Once his lead leg was injured, every movement of the Dubliner was affected, and he kept falling to the ground, so referee Mike Beltran stopped the contest in just 69 seconds, and Holloway won by TKO (injury).

Conor McGregor suffered a similar injury during his first fight against “Blessed” in 2013, although it was his left leg that was injured on that occasion. Despite that, McGregor went on to earn a dominant unanimous decision victory by controlling Holloway with his grappling for the remainder of the fight once the leg was injured.

After the 2013 Holloway bout, “The Notorious” was out of action for nearly 9 months. On his return, he locked horns with Diego Brandao and knocked Brandao out in the first frame itself.

Conor McGregor is confident he can return to the octagon “by next summer”

This time, Conor McGregor believes with the help of “today’s regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods” he can return to the octagon by next summer. He posted on X earlier today:

“Update: It was ACL and meniscus. It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking. I returned to competition within 9 months to fight Diego Brandao back then. With today’s regenerative medicine advancements and improved training methods, it is well within my realm to return by next summer.”

The former UFC double champ also added on X that despite the injury, he can walk without a crutch, which is a good sign.

“I am walking without a crutch. I did leg extension machine work the other day with no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive. I am disciplined and have maintained it fully since the bout. I wonder whether I was saved from something worse here. I believe so. I would have attended the after-party as “the man,” and who knows then. I believe I was saved. Thank you, God! On we go, no sad stories. Thank you for the support and well wishes, everyone; your health is your wealth ”

Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:

When McGregor returns, he wants Max Holloway again and has said that his return opponent “has to be Holloway,” especially after how UFC 329 ended. The Hawaiian is also ready to wait until 2027.

However, UFC CEO Dana White has refrained from commenting on a potential Holloway vs. McGregor 3 bout and will only discuss the matchup once “The Notorious” is fully healed and ready to train full-time.

Check out Dana White’s comments about Conor McGregor below:

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Colby Covington says he will not face Belal Muhammad in Real American Freestyle after their confrontation at the RAF 11 post-fight press conference. Instead, the former UFC interim welterweight champion wants a second match with Arman Tsarukyan.

Covington and Muhammad had both competed on Saturday, July 18, at RAF 11 in Milwaukee. Covington beat Tsarukyan 5-3 to become the inaugural RAF Cruiserweight Crossover champion, handing the UFC lightweight contender his first loss in the promotion and moving Covington’s RAF record to 3-0. Muhammad beat Ben Askren 6-3 in the co-main event.

The two welterweights then had a heated exchange during the post-fight press conference, where a prospective matchup was discussed. Video from the event shows Muhammad and the US-born wrestler clashing after the announcement, with security stepping in.

But Covington said in an interview with Submission Radio that he has decided to leave the Muhammad matchup behind.

Colby Covington vs Belal Muhammad match OFF

“I’ve made an executive decision. You know I’m a shareholder in RAF. We are going to move away from the Belal matchup,” Covington said. “First off, he’s on the mic at the post-fight press conference, he’s claiming to be a man of the people and be a good example, and the next second he stands up and throws a soccer kick at me and tries to attack me like a filthy animal. Like a delinquent, like a criminal. It’s just disgusting; there’s no professionalism on his side.”

Covington added that he believes he would finish the contest quickly if it happened, saying, “The company know I’ll beat him in 60 seconds or less.” He then pivoted back to Tsarukyan: “Arman deserves the rematch.”

That call is an interesting one considering the American wrestler had just beaten Tsarukyan in a tight title match. The score was level through much of the contest before the former UFC interim champion pulled ahead and controlled the closing stretch, winning 5-3. Tsarukyan entered the main event with a 7-0 RAF record, while Covington brought a wrestling background that included Division I All-American honors at Oregon State.

A Covington-Muhammad RAF match had looked like a natural next move after their public confrontation. Their planned RAF contest had reportedly been linked to RAF 12 in Cleveland, but the RAF champ has now publicly removed himself from it.

For now, the US-born wrestler appears more interested in a sequel with Tsarukyan than settling his latest score with Muhammad. Whether RAF follows his preferred direction remains to be seen, but the RAF champion has made one thing clear: the Belal matchup is no longer part of his plans.

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It’s UFC 329 fight week, and Conor McGregor has finally checked into the T-Mobile Arena, the same venue where he suffered the horrific leg injury in 2021 that kept him out of the octagon for five years.
However, now, the former UFC double champ is in great shape and will look to deliver a ‘spectacular performance’ this weekend when he runs it back with Max Holloway, whom “The Notorious” previously beat by unanimous decision in 2013.

Conor McGregor plans to remain busy after UFC 329 and is “optimistic that will be the case”

At the T-Mobile Arena, ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto interviewed Conor McGregor. During the chat, the Irishman, who has 2 more bouts left in his UFC contract, said that he would love to fight multiple times a year and “hopes to keep going.” He said:

“I love this arena. I love fight night, fight week. And God willing, I’m back here next week and the week after. How many weeks are in a year? 54? There you go. You know, I could fight every week if it’s a go. Before the injury, I had maybe three within the year. People don’t recall that. And yeah, now there you go. We plan on getting busy here. I believe I wish for it. I wish for it.”

“So, if I’m the man in the arena, right? I’m the one that’s making the walk. So, if I’m the one who’s pushing for it and campaigning for it, I’m sure that is the case. Now, I’ve said my peace with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and their staging of my bouts, and they’ve said their peace, and it’s kind of fallen on. Let’s let it happen on Saturday night and let’s talk. And I’m fine with that. I’m absolutely fine with that. Two fights left on the contract. It’s still as is. This one will be, then one. So, you know, I hope to keep going, and I’m optimistic that will be the case.”

Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:

McGregor loves to stay active and fight at least two times a year, if not more. He has maintained that kind of schedule before, competing three or at least two times every year from 2013 to 2016, before injuries or other distractions kicked in.

Conor McGregor also said during the same interview that the catastrophic leg injury he suffered has fueled his determination to stage the biggest comeback in MMA history. This weekend at UFC 329, he plans to remind the world why he is on another level. He added:

“[I feel] absolute confidence and excitement to do my job. You know, you got to dig deep, and you got to prove to yourself you are what you say you are. And so that was what it was for me. I was using it as motivation. It takes a lot of deep internal work to return from an injury like that, and I just used that as motivation. Lovely! I wish for it to be that way cuz now I can show, and on Saturday night I’m going to show.”

Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:

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Conor McGregor has once again unloaded on his arch-rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor believes the undefeated former lightweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer has done nothing in the sport and should not be ranked amongst the greats.

During an interview with Complex, McGregor quipped:

“Can’t even kick above their fu**ing knee. Can’t even kick. Can’t even touch their feet. That is not martial arts. That is nothing to me. Come on. The guy has done nothing in the sport. He’s got nothing in the sport. 13 fights he’s had in the company. That’s it. And three against named opponents.”

Check out the full interview below:

Conor McGregor Admits He Was ‘Doing Bad Things’ Before Khabib Nurmagomedov Fight

The Irishman claimed he had been partying before his title fight with “The Eagle.” McGregor had spent two years away from the octagon for his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. before returning to face “The Eagle” at UFC 229, yet still lasted four rounds against the undefeated Dagestani wrestling maestro before being submitted by a neck crank. During the same sitdown with Complex, he added:

“He [Khabib] had a fight against me coming off of I was off the yacht. I was doing bad things on a yacht. Yeah. I was partying heavily, and I was up to my eyeballs in court cases and all of this. I hadn’t fought in two years. I was worth 200 million. I come back and fight this fu**ing guy. I’ve done four rounds with him. I had a broken toe. I’m sure you’ve seen the Netflix show where I broke my fu*king foot three weeks before the bout. This guy’s nothing, then. Where is he now? Also, he’s gone.”

“So, I don’t rate him at all. I don’t rate him at all. No courage. The man has no courage. The man has succumbed to his pain, and it is a damn shame. I have nothing to say to him. Nothing to say about him. I don’t rate him. Never fought, missed weight, never fought above weight divisions. Three fights, no stoppages, no knockouts. Come on, man. How many more knockouts has he got? Fu**king three or four. You must be mad. You must be mad if I’m going to waste my fu**ing time watching this shi*.”

Lastly, Conor McGregor claimed that although Khabib Nurmagomedov is undefeated at 29-0, many of his early-career victories came against 0-0 opponents, and that the first half of Khabib’s career “was on his father’s shows in the middle of nowhere.”

“His first half of his work was fighting in his father’s shows in the middle of nowhere in wherever they’re from, right? He’s like 12 and 0. The opponent he’s fighting is 0 and 0… I don’t rate him at all. He has done nothing at all.”

Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:

Conor McGregor returns to the octagon this weekend at UFC 329 to run it back with Max Holloway. If “The Notorious” defeats “Blessed,” a showdown with current 170-pound titleholder and P4P king Islam Makhachev could be on the cards next.

With “The Eagle” having no intention of coming out of retirement to face the Irishman again, a clash with Nurmagomedov’s close friend and training partner Makhachev would be the closest fans could get to revisiting one of the UFC’s biggest rivalries.

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Conor McGregor has once more lauded his arch-rival Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege Islam Makhachev. The Irishman believes Makhachev should be ranked ahead of both Daniel Cormier and “The Eagle” in the all-time greatest conversation.

Two-division champion and pound-for-pound king Makhachev is set to defend his 170-pound strap next month at UFC 330 against Ian Machado Garry.

Meanwhile, this weekend, Conor McGregor will return to the octagon after a five-year layoff to headline UFC 329 in a rematch against Max Holloway.

Conor McGregor praises Islam Makhachev, urges him not to retire anytime soon

During a sit-down with Complex, after blasting Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor praised his archrival’s longtime friend and teammate, Islam Makhachev, who has registered the most title defenses in UFC lightweight history before moving up to 170 pounds and winning a second belt. Notably, Makhachev is on a 16-fight UFC win streak and has four finishes in six title bouts. While praising Makhachev, “The Notorious” said:

“He’s [Islam Makhachev] above Khabib. Finishes, body of work, both divisions. For sure he is. Still at it… There’s a lot left in that boy, and he should recognize that and keep going. I have him above [Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov].

Check out Conor McGregor’s comments about Islam Makhachev below:

In the past, McGregor had also shown interest in fighting Makhachev down the line as he aims to capture the “triple crown.” The Dubliner had told Bloody Elbow:

“I’m self-motivated and I for sure want a crack at that belt. I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown… It would be a good fight [Me vs. Makhachev], a good scrap. Southpaw vs southpaw.”

Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:

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Even Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez likes the idea of a potential Makhachev vs. McGregor superfight. If both fighters are successful in their upcoming outings, this pipe dream can soon turn into reality.

During the same interview, “The Notorious” also made his own GOAT list.

Check it out below:

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Dalton Rosta is tied with Aaron Jeffery at one win apiece, but it doesn’t seem like the temperature is high for the former in terms of a rubber match transpiring down the line. Rosta takes on Bryan Battle in the headliner of PFL Charlotte, on August 7th. Also on PFL’s foray into North Carolina, Joshua Silveira versus Aaron Jeffrey takes place in what is another consequential middleweight contest.

When asked if each gets their desired outcome on this Summer card, if a trilogy clash with the former BTC and CFFC champ could garner his interest at all, Rosta said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

“No, because at the end of the day, I think I put on exciting fights whether I’m wrestling or striking. I’ve never been in a boring fight except for with Aaron Jeffery and a lot of his fights, this is no dig at Aaron Jeffery. All of his fights are boring. He hugs everybody against the cage. It’s probably going to be the same way with Josh Silveira. So, if he were to win, which I don’t think he will. If he were to win, I don’t think they’d want to make the trilogy. They don’t want to tank my stock to give him another opportunity. At least that’s what I think.”

“Also, I don’t even think his name’s in the conversation. From my understanding, you’ve got still the top four in the division. Even though I lost to Impa [Kasanganay], I’m still ranked fourth. He’s still ranked third. He’s getting the interim shot. Fabian [Edwards] just fought for the championship. Fabian is still ranked second. Look at the top four. So, they’re going to be focusing on the top four, for sure.”

Dalton Rosta and Aaron Jeffery’s MMA history

Dalton Rosta and Aaron Jeffery have gone the distance in both of their bouts, with each clash taking place under different promotional banners. In their initial showdown, Jeffery earned a unanimous decision over Rosta at Bellator 298.

The sequel clash saw ‘Hercules’ get the nod from the judges this time as Rosta recorded a split decision win at PFL World Tournament 7. It remains to be seen if these two share the cage again, but they both are definitely within the upper echelon of PFL’s stacked middleweight division.

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Legendary mixed martial arts coach Greg Jackson has given fans a preview of what to expect when Gable Steveson steps in there to take on Elisha Ellison this weekend.

At UFC 329, Gable Steveson, who is just 3-0 in his mixed martial arts career, will make his first appearance for the UFC. His official debut takes place on one of the biggest cards of the year with the likes of Conor McGregor and Paddy Pimblett looking to shine on the main card.

Gable Steveson is a controversial figure for many given his past, but in equal measure, he has the potential to be one of the best heavyweights that we have ever seen at the elite level. Well, that’s if you believe the likes of Jon Jones and Greg Jackson, who have been working very closely with him in the lead-up to the Ellison fight.

In a recent UFC Embedded appearance, Greg Jackson had the following to say about Gable Steveson.

Greg Jackson on Gable Steveson’s potential

“I think, if you’re a fan, you’re gonna need to tune in to see what can this guy do,” Jackson said on UFC 329 “Embedded.” “He already won the Olympic gold medal at heavyweight in wrestling. That is so hard to do, I can’t even tell you. Where is the ceiling? What can he accomplish? What can he do?”

“I’ve worked with most of the greatest fighters to ever do this game, and his athletic ability is unprecedented,” Jackson said. “The way he thinks about things, how smart he is, how coachable, you need to tune in now to see where the ceiling for this guy is. He might be redefining what this sport is.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Of course, it’s great to show potential in the early stages of your career, but this is the big dance we’re talking about here. Gable understands pressure and tends to deal with it quite well, but when the lights are shining bright on a pay-per-view of this magnitude, this is what will truly tell us what we need to know about the next phase of his development.

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UFC fighter and former champion Cody Garbrandt has discussed his eventual retirement, as well as the money within the fight game.

At UFC 329, Cody Garbrandt will collide with Adrian Yanez in one of the most underrated fights of the year thus far. Both men are known for their sharp boxing skills, but with Cody now being 35 years of age, there are plenty of questions about his longevity in mixed martial arts – especially when you consider the damage he’s taken in that time.

Alas, Cody Garbrandt has always been a fighter who is remembered fondly for the early portion of his career, especially when he won the world title. Either way, though, this is his last real opportunity if he’s serious about making another run for the gold.

In a recent interview before UFC 329, Cody Garbrandt had some interesting thoughts on his future, the UFC and fighters managing their money.

Cody Garbrandt discussers fighter money

“I don’t know how many years I have left in the sport, but I pray that God lets me stay healthy, intact, and I can leave on my own terms,” Garbrandt told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “I think a lot of fighters don’t get that opportunity. They have to fight because they need the money. They have to fight injured. It’s tough. You see them walk away and the detriment that it does getting released back into the wild. Like, man, you’re not going to have that adrenaline, something to look forward to, so it’s tough. I just pray that a lot of these fighters stacked their money, get plans for after. 

“I wish the UFC did a little more in helping us out with that: healthcare, insurance, 401K. It’s scary to leave something that’s secure and you’ve chased your whole life, and then it’s done and those paychecks don’t come in, those sponsorships don’t come in. Then you go back to not having that adrenaline of chasing something. … It’s scary to think about that stuff. I can see why mentally, physically, emotionally a lot of fighters you see in the media go through stuff like that.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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Former UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili has said that Ilia Topuria was fighting blind after the early stages of his fight against Justin Gaethje.

As we know, Ilia Topuria lost the UFC lightweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 when he was defeated by Justin Gaethje. It was a hard-fought affair and Ilia certainly had his moments, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough, and ‘The Highlight’ finally managed to win the big one after years of trying – and a few failed attempts against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.

Ilia Topuria is a warrior in his own right and we all know that to be true, but it’s not insane to ask questions about what kind of response he will have after a beating like the one he took. The first professional loss for any mixed martial artist can really make you reevaluate your career, so it will be interesting to see what kind of changes he looks to implement.

In a recent interview, Merab Dvalishvili weighed in on Ilia Topuria’s loss.

Merab Dvalishvili discusses Ilia Topuria’s loss to Justin Gaethje

“My brother Ilia, unfortunately, he lost but he showed a great fight,” Dvalishvili told MMA Fighting. “Fight was really tough. Unfortunately, Ilia was fighting blind since the first round. I think one moment Justin Gaethje threw a punch like this [with his thumb extended], I think he eye poked him. It was even worse and then Ilia [was] blind in both eyes. He [wanted] to keep fighting. He almost finished Justin Gaethje from the body shot. He even dropped him.

“If Ilia continued [throwing] hammerfists or throwing punches, he would finish him. But Ilia chased the submission and then Justin Gaethje somehow survived. It was a tough fight but I’m proud of my brother Ilia. He showed a great, great fight.”

Quotes via MMA Fighting

Regardless of what may have been happening with Ilia’s vision, there’s no denying that Gaethje put on an incredible performance to secure the win. At the same time, Topuria will almost certainly be back in a world championship fight sooner rather than later, and we can’t wait to see how it plays out.

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Ian Machado Garry won’t be seeking an early finish against reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

The Irishman is going to lock horns with Makhachev on August 15 in the main event of UFC 330. Garry recently joined Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency, and earlier today, during the signing presser at Vicar Street, Dublin, the next 170-pound UFC title challenger spoke about his upcoming fight.

Ian Machado Garry breaks down upcoming UFC 330 title clash with Islam Makhachev

Ian Machado Garry, the short-notice risk-taker, renowned for breaking his opponents, having endless cardio, and always fighting the smart fight, appears to have a similar game plan against the P4P king.

Garry, while breaking down how he wants to dismantle Makhachev, made it clear that it won’t be an early knockout or a submission. Instead, he plans on going for 15 minutes and then look for the final kill in the fourth stanza. He wants to purely dominate and show the world why Irish MMA is the best. “The Future” said:

“My ideal scenario. I want a fourth-round finish. I don’t want any early knockout. Because then there are ifs, buts, and maybes. Ah, there are excuses. I want four rounds of domination. And in that fourth round, I am going to tell everybody, ‘I am going to do it now.’ And then I’m going to go and finish him. I’m going to open the door. I’m going to walk him into my traps and take his head clean off his shoulders.”

Check out Ian Machado Garry’s comments below:

During the same presser, talking about his big plans and why he’s the next big superstar in Irish MMA, “The Future” added:

“With my next fight, I am the most victorious Irishman in UFC history. I will have 11 wins. I want to [bring the UFC back to Ireland as fans here deserve it]. I am the next superstar of Irish MMA. I am going to be carrying the second wave.”

Check out Ian Machado Garry’s comments below:

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