Conor McGregor Says Knee Surgery ‘Went Excellent’ After UFC 329 Injury

Conor McGregor is on the mend after suffering a significant knee injury inside the octagon, and the former UFC champion says the operation to repair it went smoothly.

McGregor’s comeback fight at UFC 329 lasted barely a minute. Squaring off against Max Holloway, McGregor went down with a knee injury almost as soon as the action started, and the bout was awarded to Holloway as a result. It was later confirmed that McGregor had torn his ACL and meniscus, injuries that typically require months of rehabilitation before a fighter can even think about stepping back into competition.

McGregor has since undergone surgery to repair the damage, and in a post-op update he offered a simple but encouraging assessment, saying the ‘surgery went excellent.’ For a fighter whose career has already been defined by long layoffs due to injury — most notably the horrific leg break suffered against Dustin Poirier in 2021 — any positive update on a new knee injury is worth noting, even if it comes with the usual caveats about recovery timelines.

While this is an MMA story rather than a pro-wrestling one, McGregor’s situation is worth watching closely for wrestling fans given his well-documented ties to WWE. He’s been a visible presence around WWE programming in recent years, including appearances tied to premium live events, and there has long been speculation about whether he could eventually cross over into an in-ring role, following the well-worn path blazed by other combat-sports crossover stars. Every one of McGregor’s injuries and comeback attempts in the UFC inevitably reignites that chatter, if only because it keeps him firmly in the pop-culture conversation and reminds promoters — in any sport — of his enormous drawing power whenever he’s healthy enough to compete.

For now, though, the immediate story is straightforward: another serious knee injury, another surgery, and another long road back for one of combat sports’ biggest stars. McGregor has never been shy about setting ambitious timelines for his returns, and given his history, expect him to be similarly bullish about getting back to competition once rehab is underway in earnest. Whether that return ultimately comes in the octagon, in some other combat-sports venture, or eventually spills over into the wrestling world he’s flirted with for years remains to be seen.

We’ll continue to monitor McGregor’s recovery and any updates on a potential timetable for his next competitive appearance, wherever that may end up being.