​UFC 329 was shaping up to be among the year’s strongest cards, delivering a lineup that even tied the record for the most first-round finishes with seven. Yet the night was soured by the final first-round finish, when Conor McGregor blew out his knee and could not continue after just 69 seconds. It was a catastrophe for the UFC and, of course, for the sport’s biggest star. The immediate question on everyone’s mind was whether McGregor would attempt a return and, if so, whether it would be feasible.
McGregor did take to X after the event to share his thoughts, insisting that he was sharp and ready for the fight and dismissing any talk that he was off on the walk-in. “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 will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return.” Whether that return happens soon is another matter, and it might be a while before we see him back in the cage, if at all. For now, he still has one fight left on his UFC contract, meaning he’ll need to face an opponent in the meantime. Here are the best options to consider after UFC 329.
One obvious path is to revisit a long-anticipated clash with Max Holloway. While a Holloway rematch never materialized, Holloway is now in a different place in his career, and the focus should shift back to the 155-pound title picture. A McGregor-Holloway rematch would generate enormous attention, but Holloway would have to be willing to move back down to the lightweight division to chase a belt, a move that could make sense for both men in the right circumstances.
Another compelling route centers on Michael Chandler, who just dropped his fourth straight fight. Even so, Chandler remains a dynamic and entertaining fighter who can deliver a spectacle, whether he wins or loses, thanks to his aggressive style and high-energy approach. This pairing would carry substantial interest, not only because of the UFC’s branding power but also because it pits two of the sport’s biggest stars against each other. The question, as always, is whether either party would view this as a path toward a title shot or simply as a marquee bout to re-ignite their careers.
It’s worth noting that neither McGregor nor Chandler would be anywhere near the title picture in the near term if they were to fight next. In fact, framing this as McGregor’s retirement or final UFC fight could be a strategic move to give the star a farewell-tour narrative, allowing him to go out on his own terms while still delivering high-profile action. Chandler, meanwhile, would deserve the shot after waiting so long and even coaching against McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter, adding another layer of personal history to the matchup.
From a matchmaking standpoint, the easiest post‑UFC 329 option that would capture broad attention is a bout between McGregor and Chandler. It’s a fight that fans have long wanted, and it provides a clear collision of styles and personalities. It also offers a platform to celebrate McGregor’s career while giving him an opportunity to notch one more win—or at least to be involved in a high-stakes fight that could capture the sport’s imagination.
Looking at possible alternatives, a bout between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker would have been ideal for the post‑event landscape, but Pimblett’s recent performance against Benoit Saint-Denis—submitting him in 52 seconds with a Darce choke—puts him back in the title-contender conversation. The ideal next step could be a No. 1 contender clash featuring Pimblett versus Topuria, a matchup fueled by real beef between the two since 2021. Topuria would need one more win before a title shot, and Pimblett could serve as the perfect foil to propel Topuria back into immediate contention. Pimblett versus Topuria is arguably the strongest non-title option the UFC can run right now, with significant heat behind it. If the UFC opts not to push that pairing right away, Pimblett facing Max Holloway could also make sense, serving as a marquee, high-stakes bout with clear implications for the division.
The underlying reality is that McGregor’s post‑UFC 329 path is not simply a single fight; it’s a broader opportunity to shape the sport’s narrative around one of its most iconic figures. Whether that involves a dramatic, high-profile clash with Chandler, a strategic and heated matchup with Topuria, or a return‑to‑glory bid against Holloway, the UFC has a host of options to keep the conversation alive while McGregor works through his recovery. In choosing the next steps, the promotion will weigh timing, marketability, and the strategic direction of the lightweight division, seeking to maximize viewership and relevance while honoring the star’s legacy and the fans’ appetite for meaningful, compelling matchups.