Conor McGregor has completed surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, marking the fifth procedure since his UFC 329 fight against Max Holloway. The former two-division UFC champion confirmed the surgery’s success in a video posted to social media, stating: ‘Surgery done. Knee repaired.’
The 38-year-old fighter, who suffered the injury within the first minute of the July 11 bout, now faces a 9-12 month recovery timeline before a potential return to competition. McGregor emphasized his commitment to rehabilitation, posting: ‘The real work begins. Comeback season starts now. No shortcuts. No excuses.’
McGregor’s post-surgical statement included references to athletes who have returned from similar injuries, naming former UFC champions Dominick Cruz and Georges St. Pierre, as well as Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson, as sources of motivation. He added: ‘My mindset is unstoppable, unbreakable.’
The fighter’s goal remains to fulfill the final fight of his UFC contract, with speculation pointing to a potential rematch against Holloway, the opponent he faced when the injury occurred. McGregor described the injury as ‘quite shocking’, stating in a prior post that it came ‘out of nowhere’ despite his preparation. He acknowledged emotional distress following the bout, saying his ‘head gasket is gone’ and describing the experience as ‘hell.’
McGregor’s most recent social media update did not provide a specific return date but reiterated his determination to return to the Octagon. His contract with the UFC includes one remaining fight, which he has indicated he intends to complete.