Paddy Pimblett sympathizes with Conor McGregor over ‘sad’ conclusion to UFC 329: “You’ve got to feel for him”

Paddy Pimblett is sympathetic towards Conor McGregor after the premature conclusion to the UFC 329 headliner.

The stage was set for McGregor to make his big return after being away from pro MMA competition for five years. The “Notorious” one made his walkout for a rematch with fellow MMA icon Max Holloway. Early in the fight, McGregor went for a jumping kick, but he appeared to land awkwardly on his right leg. McGregor had issues moving around before the fight was stopped due to the injury.

Pimblett was featured in the UFC 329 co-main event, and he discussed McGregor’s nightmare scenario during the post-fight presser.

“It was sad to see,” Pimblett said. “That’s the thing with this sport. You’ve got to stay consistent. You’ve got to keep fighting, and I think where he hasn’t fought in so long, his body couldn’t keep up with it. Coming out and throwing a crazy kick like that first thing, his knee just collapsed underneath him. I feel so bad for him. He’s put so much into coming back and getting back in the Octagon, and that happens in the first five seconds. You’ve got to feel for him.”

Pimblett fight was even shorter than McGregor’s return, but it was all good vibes for “The Baddy.” Pimblett locked up a d’arce choke that put Benoit Saint Denis to sleep in just 52 seconds. It’s quite the statement from the Liverpool native, who was looking to rebound after a January loss to Justin Gaethje.

As for McGregor, he figures to have another long road ahead of him. The Irish megastar’s final bout on his current UFC deal is scheduled for 2027. Whether or not he’ll go through with finishing the deal once he fully recovers remains to be seen.

In a statement posted on his X page, McGregor admitted that he’s in “hell” mentally. He ruled out the idea that he had a pre-existing injury going into the bout. “Mystic Mac” vowed to overcome what he is calling the “devil.”

Do you think Conor McGregor’s body simply can’t handle the rigors of MMA competition anymore, or was this just a freak accident? Share your opinion in the comments below.