TLDR
- Conor McGregor is calling for a rematch with Max Holloway after losing by first-round technical knockout at UFC 329 in July
- McGregor claims Holloway asked the referee to stop the fight when McGregor’s knee buckled during the bout
- The Irish fighter says he could have continued fighting despite the damaged knee and refuses to retire this way
- McGregor targets a return during summer 2027 International Fight Week for his final UFC appearance
- Holloway recently defeated Justin Gaethje by knockout at lightweight and has not responded to McGregor’s challenge
Sources: yardbarker.com | marca.com | irishtimes.com
Conor McGregor wants another chance to fight Max Holloway, disputing the injury stoppage that ended their UFC 329 bout in July. The former two-division champion spoke to reporters after a BKFC event in Glasgow and blamed Holloway for how the fight ended.
McGregor claimed Holloway backed away from exchanges and personally asked the referee to stop the contest when McGregor’s knee buckled. The fight ended in a first-round technical knockout just three seconds after it began due to McGregor’s torn ACL.
This makes me sad.
So much for the sober Conor McGregor.
At this point, I think he might have a real problem… We get it, you have a lot of money, but there’s no way he’s making a return to the UFC if he continues like this. pic.twitter.com/ALJ4lkc0Zg
— Joe Rogan Podcast News (@joeroganhq) November 9, 2026
McGregor Criticizes Opponent’s Fighting Spirit
“It has to be Holloway,” McGregor told the media. The Irish fighter insisted he would have won despite the damaged knee if the bout had continued.
McGregor harshly criticized Holloway’s attitude during the fight. “The guy didn’t get involved even once,” McGregor said at the press conference. “He was the one who asked for the stoppage, I would have fought on one leg.”
The two fighters first met in 2013, when McGregor won by decision. Both men later captured UFC gold in separate weight classes.
McGregor continued his criticism with profanity-laced comments. “If you’re not a world champion, don’t even say my name,” he said. The outburst came at an unusual press conference where McGregor opened a beer and spoke freely about his recent loss.
The outcome continues to frustrate McGregor months after the fight. He opened up about still processing what happened to him in his last UFC appearance.
Recovery and Return Plans
McGregor discussed his recovery from the torn ACL and when he plans to fight again. He revealed his goal is to recover completely from the injury and return during summer 2027 International Fight Week.
“I’m not going to retire like this,” McGregor stated. “I’m going to go out violently, with ferocity, in a blaze of glory, one way or another.”
The Irish fighter wants his final UFC fight to be against Holloway to complete their trilogy. He refuses to let an injury stoppage be his last appearance in the octagon.
“I’m still dealing with it. I’m on the road back,” McGregor concluded about his recovery process.
No official timeline has emerged for McGregor’s next UFC appearance. The fighter is still working to finish out his contract with the company.
Holloway holds a recent knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at lightweight. The Hawaiian fighter has not publicly responded to McGregor’s call-out or the criticism from the press conference.
McGregor’s last two fights have both ended with serious injuries that required extended recovery periods. His appearance at the BKFC event marked his most public comments since the July injury.
