Dana White expresses disappointment after Conor McGregor's injury at UFC 329: 'I expected at least one round'

Conor McGregor backstage at UFC 329. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

PUBLICITY:

Despite all the hype generated by Conor McGregor 's expected return , it is undeniable that the early and anticlimactic end of the UFC 329 main event disappointed millions of viewers around the world, including Dana White. The Ultimate CEO opened up about the situation during the post-event press conference in the early hours of Sunday (12).

The Notorious suffered an injury in the first attack launched in the fight. Attacking with a left kick, the Irishman grabbed his right knee, clearly impacted by the weight of his body. Regarding this, White was honest in admitting that he expected more from the fight.

See too

Check out all the results from UFC 329

Pockets full! Paddy Pimblett delivers a perfect performance and earns a bonus at UFC 329; see the winners.

FIGHT VIDEO: Watch Conor McGregor's injury against Max Holloway at UFC 329

“Being out of this sport for five years is tough. I expected, at the very least, a one-round fight, or I wanted to see what Conor would be capable of in terms of physical conditioning — or anything else — after a five-year hiatus. Well, that's what happened. We're assuming an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. I'm not a doctor, but that's what I thought when I saw the play, and the doctors think the same thing,” said the bald man.

CONOR MCGREGOR LOSES HIS RETURN FIGHT VIA LEG INJURY

HE BLEW OUT HIS KNEE ON THE FIRST KICK OF THE FIGHT…

DEVASTATING 💔 #UFC329 pic.twitter.com/w6L0GsGpqk

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 12, 2026

Conor McGregor was devastated by the injury.

Conor McGregor backstage at UFC 329. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

In videos posted on social media, a visibly upset Conor McGregor can be seen leaving the octagon. Despite the injury preventing him from continuing the fight, the Irishman refused to use crutches to return to the locker room and left the arena limping. If an ACL tear is confirmed, the recovery period is expected to exceed six months.

Conor McGregor exiting the cage after the loss to Max Holloway 🙁 #UFC329
pic.twitter.com/PXoDTZMWXr

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 12, 2026

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.