Conor McGregor has revealed that he did indeed suffer an ACL injury during the UFC 329 main event.

The stage was set for McGregor to make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon in a rematch with Max Holloway. McGregor actually suffered a torn ACL in his first meeting with “Blessed” back in 2013. The “Notorious” one pushed through that ordeal to emerge victorious via unanimous decision.

Lightning struck twice at UFC 329, but this time McGregor’s right knee was impacted, and he was hurt far sooner. After landing awkwardly on his right leg off a leaping kick attempt, the former two-division champion couldn’t stay on his feet. Referee Mike Beltran stopped the fight just past the one-minute mark.

In an update posted on his X account, McGregor confirmed that he was diagnosed with an ACL injury.

“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. I am walking without a crutch. I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive. I am maximum discipline and have maintained it fully since the bout. I wonder was I 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.”

It’s a rough setback for McGregor, who had been out of action for five years after suffering a broken leg during his third bout with Dustin Poirier. A planned return in 2024 was nixed after “Mystic Mac” suffered a toe injury.

Some have questioned if McGregor will ever return to the Octagon, but the Irishman insists that he wants a trilogy with Holloway. Now that his ACL injury has been confirmed, it’ll likely be at least one year before he can return to the Octagon. Holloway will likely take at least one fight in that time, and the door could be open for another clash with McGregor if the “Notorious” one can avoid further setbacks.

With the ACL injury confirmed, do you see Conor McGregor fulfilling the final fight on his UFC deal? Drop your take in the comments below.