McGregor to have surgery, plans to fight again

McGregor to have surgery, plans to fight again8hBrett OkamotoMcGregor's knee 'never an issue,' coach says1dBrett OkamotoPimblett stars, submits Saint-Denis at UFC 3292dBrett OkamotoMcGregor injures leg on opening kick; fight called2dAndreas HaleSteveson debuts in style, finishes Ellison in first2dBrett OkamotoAdesanya leaving longtime gym amid 4-fight skid4dBrett Okamoto8 indicted in thwarted attack on UFC's WH event4dUFC 329 what's next: Why Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett could face off1dBrett OkamotoHour 3: NFL Breakout CandidatesTennessee Titans42mMcGregor to have surgery, plans to fight again8hBrett OkamotoHour 1: Top Ten TimeLos Angeles Lakers10hUFC 329 fight grades: Why Conor McGregor's injury didn't drag down the card11hAndreas HaleInjury opens another new chapter in the nine-year saga of Conor McGregor's free fall22hAndreas HaleMcGregor's knee 'never an issue,' coach says1dBrett OkamotoUFC 329 takeaways: After a disastrous comeback, could McGregor be trusted to try again?2dESPN staffPimblett stars, submits Saint-Denis at UFC 3292dBrett Okamoto'The worst ending': Athletes react to McGregor's UFC 329 injury2dESPN StaffUFC 329 results: McGregor injured in opening minute, loses to Holloway2dESPN StaffMcGregor injures leg on opening kick; fight called2dAndreas HaleSteveson debuts in style, finishes Ellison in first2dBrett OkamotoAs Joshua Pacio rises, Eduard Folayang reaches a crossroads3dNissi IcasianoJoshua Pacio silences doubters with emphatic ONE Championship title defense3dNissi IcasianoPublic backing McGregor but the bigger bets are on Holloway for UFC 329 main event3dESPNConor McGregor is still a draw, but is he still a fighter?3dBrett OkamotoAdesanya leaving longtime gym amid 4-fight skid4dBrett OkamotoBrett OkamotoJul 13, 2026, 11:25 AM ETCloseBrett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010.

He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.

Follow on XMultiple AuthorsEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsConor McGregor will undergo surgery following his first-round loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329, and then he will fight again.McGregor (22-7) appeared to suffer an injury to his right knee in the opening seconds of his welterweight bout against Holloway on Saturday in Las Vegas. McGregor, who was making his first appearance in five years, has not disclosed the exact diagnosis of his injury, but he announced that he intends to undergo surgery and return for the final fight of his UFC contract."

Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice.

Go again." McGregor wrote on Instagram on Monday. "Final fight of the contract.

Praise God!"Before UFC 329, McGregor, who turns 38 on Tuesday, expressed a desire to return to regular activity. His contractual situation with the UFC warranted monitoring even before Saturday's result.

The former two-weight champion has fought exclusively in the UFC since 2013 and rose to one of the most famous athletes in sports under that partnership.The UFC has not publicly commented on McGregor's situation, other than CEO Dana White stating he had five ideas for McGregor's next opponent had he defeated Holloway.McGregor's injury history includes a torn ACL in 2013 -- ironically, during his first clash with Holloway when they both fought at featherweight -- a partially torn ACL ahead of his interim title fight against Chad Mendes in 2015, a broken left leg during his first-round loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021 and a broken toe that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Michael Chandler in 2024.

In addition to the health setbacks, the Irish star has also dealt with issues outside of the Octagon, including a civil ruling against him in a sexual assault case in 2024. McGregor, who has maintained innocence in that case and was never charged criminally, added on social media that he is refusing to engage in some of his old habits despite the disappointment of his comeback."My faith is unconditional and I am thankful to get to prove it!"

he wrote. "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!" McGregor to have surgery, plans to fight again8hBrett OkamotoMcGregor's knee 'never an issue,' coach says1dBrett OkamotoPimblett stars, submits Saint-Denis at UFC 3292dBrett OkamotoMcGregor injures leg on opening kick; fight called2dAndreas HaleSteveson debuts in style, finishes Ellison in first2dBrett OkamotoAdesanya leaving longtime gym am