How long could Conor McGregor be sidelined? Understand the star's injury at UFC 329.

McGregor focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Conor McGregor may face a new, and possibly long, break in his career. The Irishman returned to action at UFC 329 , held this Saturday (11), when he faced Max Holloway in the main event. However, in the very first second of the fight, the former champion attempted a high kick and ended up suffering a knee injury.

According to UFC president Dana White, the suspicion is that 'Notorious' has torn his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), a problem that, on average, requires between nine and twelve months of recovery before returning to training and competition.

In the post-event press conference, Dana White reiterated that the primary initial assessment is a ruptured ACL, a scenario also shared by the medical team responsible for the patient's care.

See too

Destroyed! Conor McGregor speaks out for the first time after shocking injury against Holloway at UFC 329: 'Hell'

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

Fighters' reaction: Dos Anjos, Jake Paul, and Makhachev mock Conor McGregor after his injury at UFC 329.

"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 Dana White.

Watch the moment Conor McGregor suffered his injury against Max Holloway at UFC 329.

The kick that led to the ending 😢 😭 #UFC329

It just wasn't meant to be for Conor McGregor ... pic.twitter.com/wXEdPnH19t

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 12, 2026

What is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most frequent orthopedic injuries, especially among athletes. Responsible for stabilizing the knee, the ligament prevents excessive displacement of the tibia relative to the femur and helps control the rotational movements of the joint.

In most cases, the injury occurs without direct contact, being caused by sudden movements, such as abrupt changes of direction with the foot fixed on the ground, rapid decelerations, improper landings after jumps, or even hyperextension of the knee. At the moment of rupture, it is common to hear a popping sound, followed by intense pain, rapid swelling, and a feeling of instability, as if the knee were giving way.

Treatment varies according to the severity and profile of the injured person: it can be conservative, with physiotherapy focused on muscle strengthening, or surgical, indicated mainly for athletes, with ligament reconstruction through grafting. Complete recovery, in surgical cases, can take between nine and twelve months.

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