Conor McGregor teased at a potential “last dance” in the ring after a dramatic knee injury abruptly halted his much-anticipated comeback against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
The bout took a turn just 1:09 in, when McGregor’s right knee gave way following a jump kick. The injury’s severity was undeniable, prompting an immediate stoppage as the fighter’s awkward landing made continuing impossible.
This fight marked his first appearance in the octagon in five years.
Currently, the famous MMA star is navigating the recovery process and faces surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus, an unfortunate setback that will sideline him for several months.
Nevertheless, the Irish icon hinted at a return timeline, suggesting in a social media update on Monday that fans might see him back in action as soon as next July.
“What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset,” McGregor wrote on an Instagram post. “IFW 2027 The Last Dance.”
The post also included a video of him before the UFC 329 bout warming up inside the locker room.
IFW refers to International Fight Week, which will likely take place in July next year.
The “last dance” reference that McGregor made was to the final fight of his exclusive contract with the UFC, though he has not ruled out signing a new deal with the promotion once his current one expires.
UFC CEO Dana White told reporters recently that he expected McGregor to be out for a year.
“Conor McGregor is out for a year,” he bluntly said during a press conference for a Zuffa boxing event.
It’s unclear who McGregor’s next fight would be against, but another run at Holloway has been floated as a possibility with the two currently 1-1 against each other.