The UFC 329 event in Las Vegas concluded with an unexpected turn in the highly anticipated main event rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway. The fight ended prematurely due to a knee injury sustained by McGregor, just 1:09 into the first round. This outcome left many attendees and viewers disappointed, particularly after a strong undercard featuring numerous finishes.
McGregor’s return to the Octagon, his first in five years, was a significant draw, with the event setting a gate record of $26.43 million in ticket sales at T-Mobile Arena. The fight was a rematch 13 years in the making, following McGregor’s previous unanimous decision victory over Holloway in August 2013. However, the fight’s conclusion, with Holloway winning by TKO due to McGregor’s injury, was described as an anticlimactic end to an otherwise action-packed night.
Main Event Controversy and Injury Details
The injury occurred almost immediately after the fight began, when McGregor attempted a jumping kick. Upon landing, his knee appeared to give way. Despite attempting to continue, McGregor stumbled twice, prompting Holloway to alert referee Mike Beltran. The fight was eventually stopped after Holloway landed a kick and McGregor took an unsteady step back, leading to a TKO victory for Holloway.
UFC President Dana White indicated that doctors believe McGregor may have torn his ACL, though an MRI is required for confirmation. This potential injury, coupled with McGregor’s age, raises questions about his future in the sport. Fans who travelled globally and spent significant amounts on tickets and accommodation expressed frustration over the fight’s swift and unexpected ending, which lasted only 69 seconds.
Undercard Highlights and Standout Performances
Despite the main event’s disappointing finish, the rest of the UFC 329 card delivered numerous exciting moments. Out of the first 13 fights, 10 ended in stoppages. The co-main event saw Paddy Pimblett defeat Benoit Saint Denis by technical submission with a D’arce choke at 0:52 of the first round. This performance was highlighted as one of Pimblett’s best, solidifying his position in his division and potentially setting him up for a rematch against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
Another notable performance came from Mario Bautista, who secured a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen in their rematch. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 in Bautista’s favour, marking a significant win in his career and avenging a previous loss. Brandon Royval also delivered a memorable performance, submitting Lone’er Kavanagh with a rear-naked choke at 3:39 of the third round. Their bout was recognized as the Fight of the Night, showcasing a chaotic and entertaining exchange between the two flyweights.
Other fighters who made an impact included Robert Whittaker, who had a successful debut in the light heavyweight division with a third-round TKO victory over Nikita Krylov. Additionally, heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson, a former Olympic Gold Medalist in freestyle wrestling, made a strong debut by finishing Elisha Ellison. These performances contributed to an overall strong card, despite the main event’s unforeseen conclusion.
Bonuses and Future Implications
Following the event, four fighters received an extra $100,000 for their performances. Brandon Royval and Lone’er Kavanagh each earned a Fight of the Night bonus. Paddy Pimblett and King Green were awarded Performance of the Night bonuses. Additionally, eight fighters received $25,000 finish bonuses, including Robert Whittaker, Gable Steveson, Adrian Yanez, Luke Riley, Damian Pinas, Ryan Gandra, and Alessandro Costa.
The abrupt end to the main event has raised questions about McGregor’s fighting future, particularly given his age and the severity of the suspected injury. While Holloway expressed interest in a trilogy fight, the uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s recovery and willingness to continue fighting remains. The event underscored the unpredictable nature of combat sports, with an evening of high-calibre fights culminating in an unexpected finish to the main attraction on July 12, 2026.
Read Also
Source: ufc.com
