Heartbreaking footage has emerged of Conor McGregor leaving the Octagon following his devastating 69 loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.

The event marked the Irishman’s return to competition after five years out. In his previous bout, he suffered a broken lower tibia while losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

McGregor had been determined to only step back into the cage when he was feeling 100% fit, even cancelling a planned June 2024 bout with Michael Chandler after sustaining a broken toe.

Conor McGregor Suffers Devastating Injury at UFC 329

Even at 37 years old, Conor came into fight week looking in great physical shape and surprised many with how rejuvenated he seemed simply by being back around the sport that made him famous.

Having already been a two-division UFC champion and earned generational wealth, McGregor made it clear in the build-up to UFC 329 that he was coming back purely to prove something to himself.

The star’s dreams of a triumphant return fell apart almost instantly at the T-Mobile Arena. In his very first strike of the fight, McGregor charged in looking to land a jumping roundhouse kick.

However, the move immediately resulted in disaster as he came down badly on his right leg. From that point on, he was unable to stay upright. Inevitably, the referee waved the fight off shortly afterwards.

Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Images

Conor McGregor Looked Crushed After UFC 329 Loss to Max Holloway

Fan footage quickly emerged showing McGregor looking on the verge of tears as he limped out of the Octagon before even conducting a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.

As he made his way backstage, a further clip showed McGregor with his head in his hands, appearing crushed by the way the evening had turned out.

In the aftermath of the result, Holloway called for a trilogy fight with McGregor. The Irishman had previously beaten ‘Blessed’, defeating him via decision in August 2013. Following Saturday’s bout, the pair are now tied at one bout apiece.

However, although Conor was able to leave the venue under his own power, he looked severely injured as he hopped out of the back door while flanked by security.

It is unknown if McGregor intends to continue his career, but early estimates suggest that he will be out of action for an extended period.

A slew of Premier League clubs are said to be interested in a PSG winger who could be available this summer. The summer window has already been a busy one, and that’s despite the World Cup taking place this summer, which usually slows down business, at least a little.

Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Leeds United are now all among the teams to be eyeing a Ligue 1 sensation who could be available.

Villa are preparing for a Champions League campaign this summer, while Newcastle are looking to get back into the Champions League race, Everton want to get into the European race and Leeds want to build on their Premier League stay by establishing themselves further in the top flight.

PSG star Ibrahim Mbaye sparks Premier League transfer tussle

PSG star Ibrahim Mbaye is highly rated by the Champions League holders, and he has already made 33 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring four and assisting three. The 18-year-old also impressed for Senegal at the World Cup and even scored against France, showing his talent at the top end of the pitch.

According to TeamTalk, while Mbaye is valued by PSG, they recognise that their more senior talent at the top end of the pitch is likely going to restrict the minutes they can offer him.

Premier League clubs are now said to have been alerted to the youngster’s potential availability, and AFC Bournemouth have already enquired, while Newcastle are said to be ‘long-term admirers’ There is also reported interest from Villa, Everton, Leeds and Brighton.

There is also said to be some interest in Italy and Spain, but the report claims Mbaye wants to play regular football, above all else, which may give some of the lesser teams – on paper – a chance of landing the deal, even if it comes in the form of a loan approach.

Mbaye a player with ‘enormous’ potential

Mbaye impressed at the African Cup of Nations last year, and after Senegal beat Congo, Congo boss Sébastien Desabre praised Mbaye despite him playing for the opposition.

“Ibrahim Mbaye’s entrance made the difference. He’s a talented young man,” Desabre said. “Mbaye’s speed and technique caused us problems. Senegal has some very good young players,”

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said earlier this year: “His potential for improvement is enormous. He’s already won many trophies. At 17, I was playing in the Gambardella Cup. He’s a phenomenon who’s at an excellent club with a very good coach. Tonight, he was good. But he needs to improve.”

It didn’t take long for Islam Makhachev to react publicly to Conor McGregor‘s shocking loss to Max Holloway through injury in the very first round, punctuating a spectacularly abysmal comeback following five years away from the UFC Octagon.

It all went down atop the UFC 329 card which took place on Saturday, the 11th of July, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The numbered event, which aired on Paramount+ in the United States, featured numerous notable results, including Paddy Pimblett sleeping Benoit Saint Denis with a Peruvian necktie, Gable Steveson’s first-round finish on his UFC debut, and Robert Whittaker’s jaw-breaking win over Nikita Kryslov.

But despite the succession of dramatic fights and brutal finishes, what transpired in the McGregor vs Holloway showdown is what will likely overshadow the event as a whole. And Makhachev is one of many UFC fighters who commented on the 69-second loss through technical knockout.

Islam Makhachev Reacts to Conor McGregor’s TKO Loss

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Images

In the fight, McGregor landed only five strikes from a total of 11, compared to Holloway’s 14 landed from 22. Many of McGregor’s though, resulted in slips as he couldn’t keep himself standing. The referee appeared to give McGregor the benefit of the doubt, with Holloway even gesturing to the ref, concerned, that as McGregor couldn’t exactly defend himself, the fight should be canned.

Eventually, Mike Beltran did wave it all off, and even thanked Holloway for encouraging him to do so. McGregor, meanwhile, hobbled out of the arena after declining an in-Octagon interview with UFC commentator and podcaster, Joe Rogan.

Now, Makhachev has had his say by posting the following five words on X.

At the time of writing, which was only one hour after Makhachev sent the five-word response, it had already been viewed 1.1 million times, with 39,000 likes.

Though Holloway indicated a willingness to run it back for a third time, the crowd did not seem as enthused and chose, instead, to voice their dissatisfaction. It is unlikely McGregor will be fighting fit anytime soon because if, as feared, he has really blown his ACL, then he could be sidelined for 12 to 18 months, meaning Holloway will likely move on to other challenges, instead.