It has been more than two weeks since Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC 329 comeback ended in heartbreak. Fans barely had time to settle in before disaster struck, as the Irish superstar injured his knee just 69 seconds into his rematch with Max Holloway, handing “Blessed” a TKO victory.
A few days later, McGregor confirmed what many feared after undergoing medical scans. Taking to social media, the former two-division champion revealed that he had torn both his ACL and meniscus. Even more remarkably, he pointed out that it was almost identical to the injury he suffered in his first fight against Holloway back in 2013, except this time it was his opposite knee.
He wrote, “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.”
Dana White later confirmed that McGregor is expected to be sidelined for at least a year, giving fans a clearer picture of his recovery timeline. But while the UFC CEO delivered the bad news, McGregor also gave supporters something to look forward to.
The Irishman recently shared a video on Instagram showing himself warming up before UFC 329 and hinted that his comeback is already planned. According to McGregor, International Fight Week 2027 is when he intends to make his return, and possibly fight for the final time inside the Octagon.
He wrote, “What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset. IFW 2027. The Last Dance.”
The former champion has just one fight remaining on his contract. If he doesn’t sign a new deal before then, he will become a free agent for the first time in his legendary combat sports career. That would give McGregor the freedom to entertain offers from virtually anywhere.
A blockbuster MVP MMA showdown with Nate Diaz on Netflix, a move to BKFC, where he is a part-owner, or even a boxing match against Jake Paul could all be on the table. For now, though, McGregor has made it clear that his priority is honoring his UFC contract by completing his trilogy with Holloway before exploring what comes next.
Of course, a lot can change over the next year, especially when McGregor is involved. The UFC could offer him a new contract. “The Last Dance” could simply be another classic McGregor tease. Or he could return for one final fight and call time on one of the most unforgettable careers the sport has ever seen.
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