Conor McGregor's next step after brutal UFC 329 injury emerges as insider provides update

Conor McGregor's next step has been revealed after he suffered a serious knee injury just moments into his UFC comeback.

McGregor made his return the Octagon after a five-year lay-off, rematching Max Holloway in the UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas.

But the Irishman's comeback ended in disaster as his roundhouse kick attempt was wayward and following two the contest was waved off after just 69 seconds.

Speaking afterwards, UFC president Dana White said he is "assuming blown ACL" as McGregor suffered a third consecutive loss.

Medical expert Dr Brian Stutterer admitted "this position looks like the classic position that you will see with an ACL tear".

In a statement released following the loss, McGregor said the injury "came out of nowhere" and that he was "throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight".

No official update on McGregor's condition has been provided after he limped away but USA Today say the two-weight world champion is expected to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) this week that will give a further indication of the exact injury suffered.

A torn ACL would be the worst-case scenario for McGregor and would likely mean a period of six to nine months on the shelf.

His last bout before his comeback saw him break his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021 and his scheduled return against Michael Chandler fell through in 2024 due to a broken toe.

McGregor broke his silence with a social media statement and has now put out another post on his Instagram where he spoke of his devotion to religion and how "all things work out for my good".

Conor McGregor issues statement as next step revealed following UFC 329 injury

The 37-year-old said he would undergo surgery before entering the rehabilitation phase and then making his return for the final fight on his UFC deal.

McGregor wrote: "My faith is unconditional and I am thankful I get to prove it!

"My lifestyle changes are permanent and not just until. I am thankful I get to prove it.

"I am in sin city and remain completely devoid of all sin. I will not open that door nor crack its seal! I am already back to collecting wins! In Jesus name I pray!

Church was intense today, my heart is heavy but through Christ my mind is STRONG! I am so grateful to see my family fall more in love with God each day!

"I am a child of God. I am a friend of God. God makes a way for me where there seems to be no way. I am not a victim of my circumstances, I overcome them. God is at work in me to will and to work his good pleasure! My youth is being renewed like the eagles! In Jesus I am thoroughly loved, cherished, adored. I walk in divine health. I live under supernatural protection.

"All things work out for my good!

"All things are possible for me because I am a believer! Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God!

"I trust in You Lord! Show me Your way. Thank You God."

Holloway, who won without barely breaking a sweat, expressed his interest in having a third fight with McGregor.

He still collected a $25,000 (£18,600) bonus for securing a TKO win in round one even if it was not through his own work.

"We gotta do a third," he admitted afterwards.

"Hopefully, his injury not too crazy. I know he was saying that they wanted him back in April. I can do that. That’d be fun. I wanna actually feel this 170 weight and power that he says he has. So maybe we can do it back.”