Conor McGregor has claimed he entered UFC 329 without carrying an injury after his comeback fight ended in 69 seconds.
The former two-division champion returned to competition for the first time in more than five years on Saturday, facing Max Holloway at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
McGregor landed awkwardly after attempting a jumping kick and soon became unable to continue, repeatedly stumbling, before Holloway was awarded the TKO.
In a series of overnight posts on X, McGregor rejected suggestions that he had carried an existing injury into the octagon. He claimed he had been kicking and jumping throughout his training camp and immediately before the fight.
My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.
In a second post, McGregor dismissed debate about his movement during the walk to the cage, calling the suggestion that he appeared “off” nonsense. He asserted that he had been “sharp,” calm and confident before the contest.
I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened. The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place.
The statement then took a theological turn, with McGregor claiming the Devil was “literally” staring at him. He added that he planned to attend church on Sunday, and said he would return.
In a third post, he pasted the text of the Catholic Church’s Nicene Creed.
McGregor’s vow to return came before any confirmed diagnosis or recovery timetable has been announced. UFC CEO Dana White said after the event that doctors initially feared an ACL tear, though further testing was required.
Saturday marked McGregor’s third consecutive defeat.
