McGregor Injured Seconds Into UFC 329 Comeback
SkimNews Take
McGregor's immediate injury illustrates how extended layoffs can compound physical vulnerability for returning fighters, while Pimblett's rapid finish and Steveson's debut showcased emerging talent already capable of drawing focus on a marquee card.
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- Conor McGregor suffered a leg injury on his first move toward Max Holloway in the UFC 329 main event, and UFC CEO Dana White said the team was "assuming a blown ACL"
- McGregor turns 38 in three days and has a history of knee and leg injuries — including a torn ACL and a broken left leg in July 2021 — plus a broken toe that forced a 2024 fight cancellation
- Paddy Pimblett submitted Benoît Saint Denis via front choke in 52 seconds in the co-main event, his first fight since a January decision loss to Justin Gaethje
- Saint Denis was ranked No. 7 in ESPN's lightweight rankings — three spots above Pimblett — making it a statement win beyond Pimblett's prior victories over faded stars Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson
- Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist, won his UFC heavyweight debut by TKO over Elisha Ellison in 2:31, showcasing oblique kicks and varied striking rather than relying on his wrestling base
- Mentored by Jon Jones, Steveson drew comparisons to Brock Lesnar — who challenged for the UFC heavyweight title in his fourth MMA fight — with Dana White saying Steveson "looked like a mixed martial artist"
Why it matters: McGregor, who turns 38 in three days and now faces a likely ACL tear on top of prior knee and leg injuries, saw his fight end on his opening move — while Pimblett's 52-second submission of No. 7 Saint Denis and Steveson's striking-heavy heavyweight debut offered the UFC fresh marquee talent on the same card.
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