McGregor: Off Crutches Weeks After ACL Surgery

Conor McGregor says he is already off crutches just five and a half weeks after surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus suffered against Max Holloway at UFC 329.

"The Notorious" gave the update during a sit-down interview with Mac Energy, saying the swelling from the procedure has subsided and he beat his own recovery timeline on mobility. "The swelling is down. I'm off the crutch after two or three weeks. In fact, I was able to get off the crutch sooner than they had wished." McGregor has been clear he is not fast-tracking a comeback, saying he plans to give himself nine to 12 months before considering a return to the octagon.

What Happened to McGregor's Knee at UFC 329

McGregor tore his ACL and meniscus in the opening minute of his July 11 rematch with Max Holloway at T-Mobile Arena, a fight that ended in a first-round TKO for Holloway. McGregor says he went into the fight planning to close distance immediately and throw a high-risk kick rather than feel out the striking exchange, saying his mindset was to run forward and try to hurt Holloway early rather than fight cautiously off a leg he had broken in their first meeting. Holloway avoided the kick, and McGregor's leg buckled on landing, leaving him unable to put weight on it. Referee Mike Beltran stopped the fight after 69 seconds once it was clear McGregor could not continue safely.

McGregor also pushed back on the idea that he simply got caught off guard, claiming he noticed the canvas felt wet as he walked out and ignored it rather than adjust his footwork. He framed that decision as a mistake in hindsight, saying real technique means using your eyes and mechanics instead of committing blind.

McGregor Says Holloway Should Have Finished the Fight

McGregor argued the stoppage was premature and that responsibility for ending things fell on Holloway, not the referee. "It wasn't me calling for the finish of the fight... Finish the f**king fight. You're the man calling for the fight to be stopped. The fight has only begun," McGregor said. That is a notable break from how the moment actually played out, when Holloway himself flagged to Beltran that McGregor was hurt and could not defend himself, a moment widely praised as sportsmanlike given McGregor was still upright and talking.

For bettors, the injury update matters more than the retroactive complaint about the stoppage. McGregor is not on anyone's board for a return anytime soon, and with a self-imposed nine to 12 month recovery window, any future line on him stays purely speculative for now. Holloway, who has already banked another finish in this rivalry, remains the far more bookable name in the near term, and his stock as a live betting option against elite competition only rises after handling a potential firestorm moment with restraint in the cage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Conor McGregor recovering from his knee injury?

Conor McGregor says he is off crutches roughly five and a half weeks after surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus suffered at UFC 329, ahead of his doctors' expected timeline.

When will Conor McGregor return to the UFC?

Conor McGregor has said he plans to take nine to 12 months to fully recover from his ACL and meniscus surgery before considering a return to the octagon.

Why did the referee stop the McGregor vs. Holloway fight at UFC 329?

Referee Mike Beltran stopped the UFC 329 main event after 69 seconds when Conor McGregor could not put weight on his injured leg after a kick attempt went wrong against Max Holloway.