Conor McGregor says ACL and meniscus tear at UFC 329, aims to return by next summer
The former two-division UFC champion disclosed that he tore his ACL and meniscus during his bout with Max Holloway and expects to be back in competition by the following summer.
Conor McGregor confirmed that he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear in his left knee during his fight with Max Holloway at UFC 329. The Irish fighter posted on social media that the injury mirrors the one he incurred in his earlier bout with Holloway, but affected the opposite leg. He said he is able to walk unaided, has resumed leg-extension exercises without difficulty, and remains disciplined in his rehabilitation. McGregor expressed confidence that advances in regenerative medicine and training methods could allow him to compete again by next summer.
According to his coach John Kavanagh, the jumping switch kick that led to the injury had been a regularly drilled technique throughout camp, and McGregor entered the fight in full health after extra precautions were taken. The injury became apparent when McGregor was unable to bear weight after landing, prompting referee Mike Beltran to stop the contest.
"It was ACL and meniscus. It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg," McGregor wrote.
"I am walking without a crutch. I done leg extension machine work the other day to no issue. So I can walk without aid, and activate my quad under resistance. All very positive."