"With Today's Medicine..." McGregor Reveals Extent of Injury, Remains Optimistic: "Hope to Be Back in the Octagon Next Summer"
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The legendary UFC fighter was forced to concede the bout after just over a minute of fighting. He has now taken to social media to inform the public about the nature of his injury and the expected recovery period.
McGregor revealed he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and damaged his meniscus, indicating a lengthy recovery ahead.
"It's the ACL and meniscus. The same injury as in the first fight with Max, just the other leg. A complete shock. It took me nine months to return then, and I fought Diego Brandao. With today's modern medicine and advanced training, I believe I could be fighting again by next summer. I'm already walking without crutches. I've been doing exercises without issues and walking independently. Everything is good. I'm maximally disciplined, and I wonder if I was saved from something much worse. I believe I was. I believe I was saved. Thank you, God. No need to be sad, keep your head up, thank you for your kind wishes and messages of support. Health is the greatest wealth." - Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the octagon after a five-year hiatus was overshadowed by the Irish fighter's injury. Despite this, the Irishman still earned a substantial sum of money from the Las Vegas fight.
In the main event of UFC 329, McGregor lasted only 69 seconds before a knee injury forced him to submit to Max Holloway. However, despite suffering a significant sporting setback, the Irishman left Las Vegas considerably richer.
Record Earnings Per Second in the Cage
Simply by appearing in the octagon, McGregor was guaranteed $15 million, regardless of the outcome. When percentages from pay-per-view (PPV) sales, ticket revenues, lucrative sponsorship deals, and associated marketing activities are added, it's estimated that the Irishman will pocket over $30 million. This once again proves he remains the biggest money-maker in MMA history.
Throughout his illustrious career, the former champion has earned over $250 million from fights and bonuses alone. When his successful business ventures, such as the sale of his Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, are factored in, his net worth today exceeds half a billion dollars.
Retirement After Defeat?
Although the fight was incredibly short, public interest was unprecedented, leading the UFC to break historical records for ticket revenue thanks to this bout. Holloway received a guaranteed $5 million for his swift victory, and immediately after the announcement, he stated that such an outcome necessitates a third encounter between them.
However, it remains a big question whether we will ever see the 38-year-old McGregor in the ring again. A new serious injury, the fact that his contract with the UFC organization is expiring, and his immense wealth are logical reasons why many analysts believe he doesn't need to risk his health further.
The Dark Side of the Story: Rape Lawsuits
It's worth remembering that McGregor was also absent from the fighting scene due to serious legal issues. The High Court in Dublin found him liable in November 2024 in a civil lawsuit for the rape of Nikita Hend, which occurred in late 2018 in a hotel penthouse.
The verdict became final in July 2025, after being upheld by the appellate court.
The jury determined that McGregor forced Hend into sexual intercourse without her consent, and that during a private party, he brutally overpowered, choked, and beat her, inflicting numerous injuries and bruises. The court ordered him to pay the victim approximately 250,000 euros in damages, along with covering legal costs exceeding one million euros.
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