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.

[Image via AP Photo/ John Locher]

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: