President says McGregor needs knee surgery after ACL tear

UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor suffered a serious knee injury requiring surgery during his comeback fight last weekend, casting significant doubt on the former champion's fighting future. McGregor's return at UFC 329 ended just 69 seconds into his bout against Max Holloway when he landed awkwardly on his right leg after attempting a flying kick.

White stated that an official informed him McGregor has a torn ACL and will undergo surgery, followed by extensive physical therapy. The UFC executive has repeatedly downplayed any discussion of McGregor's next fight, emphasizing the lengthy recovery process ahead. "He's got to have knee surgery, he's going to have to go through physical therapy, it's all going to take time," White said. He added that only after doctors clear McGregor for hardcore training would conversations about a return be meaningful.

Despite the setback, McGregor, 38, has expressed a clear desire for a rematch with Holloway to settle their trilogy. The fighters are tied with one win each; McGregor won their first encounter in 2013 despite tearing the ACL in his left knee, while Holloway won the rematch at UFC 329. In response to a fan...