​As the dust settles on one of the most peculiar and anticlimactic weekends in UFC history, Conor McGregor is signaling that he plans to keep competing. Just two days after his long-awaited comeback fight ended in disappointment at UFC 329, McGregor issued a lengthy update on social media Monday, revealing his intentions to undergo surgery and to complete the final fight of his current UFC contract, as had been his original plan.
McGregor’s rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 329 ended in a swift and unfortunate fashion, with the former two-division champion appearing to injure his knee in the opening seconds of what was his first competitive appearance since 2021. The bout lasted only 69 seconds, Holloway earning a TKO victory while McGregor did not land a single significant strike.
In his latest message, McGregor conveyed a mix of resolve and faith: “My faith is unconditional and I am thankful I get to prove it. My lifestyle changes are permanent and not just temporary. I am thankful I get to prove it. I am in sin city and remain completely devoid of all sin. I will not open that door nor crack its seal. I am already back to collecting wins. In Jesus’ name I pray. Church was intense today, my heart is heavy but through Christ my mind is strong. I am so grateful to see my family fall more in love with God each day. I am a child of God. I am a friend of God. God makes a way for me where there seems to be no way. I am not a victim of my circumstances; I overcome them. God is at work in me to will and to act according to his good pleasure. My youth is being renewed like the eagles. In Jesus I am thoroughly loved, cherished, and adored. I walk in divine health. I live under supernatural protection. All things work out for my good. All things are possible for me because I am a believer. Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God. I trust in You, Lord. Show me Your way. Thank you, God.”
The veteran fighter, who has previously held titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, entered UFC 329 with two fights remaining on his contract and an anticipated return in early 2027. In the lead-up to UFC 329, McGregor indicated to Uncrowned that both bouts had been mapped out in a timeline with a target return around April 2027 following the Holloway rematch. He also floated the possibility of pursuing free agency after his UFC deal concluded.
“I’m going to test free agency,” McGregor told Uncrowned. “If an unbelievable UFC deal comes along, I’ll sign, for sure. I know you want me outside of the UFC. I’m the highest-paid fighter, and I don’t mind discussing the finances—I’m the highest-paid multiple times; probably four, maybe five times higher than the next guy. I know Turki Alalshikh is spending, backing these fighters. Let’s see. I’m a UFC fighter, contracted to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, with a big event in the White House, and now we have the Mac back. I’m happy to be back. Let’s go to work.”
This statement from McGregor came as he navigates the aftermath of UFC 329, where his knee issue and the rapid defeat cast doubt on his immediate future. The question now centers on whether he follows through with the surgery, completes the contract-mandated final fight, and how his announced return timeline will align with any renewed push toward free agency or ad hoc negotiations with the UFC. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as McGregor balances recovery, potential changes to his training regimen, and the strategic next steps for a fighter who has long been a central figure in the sport’s dramatic arc.