Conor McGregor releases emotional statement following UFC 329 defeat

UFC veteran Conor McGregor has released a statement in the wake of his injury-related loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329.

In the main event of UFC 329, Conor McGregor was defeated by Max Holloway. The result came due to an injury sustained by the Irishman in the opening stages of the contest, and when it became evident that an injury had occurred, the result became inevitable.

RELATED: Pros react after Max Holloway defeats Conor McGregor at UFC 329

McGregor is the definition of a polarizing figure in mixed martial arts, but even his biggest critic will acknowledge that this is terrible news for the promotion. Still, it’s another big moment for Holloway, who continues to add to his increasingly impressive legacy.

In a series of tweets, McGregor had the following to say about what went down.

My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 12, 2026

I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened. The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face…

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 12, 2026

McGregor reacts to devastating injury

“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”

“I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened. The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow. I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return.”

Do you believe Conor will ever compete again in mixed martial arts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!