Dana White doubts Conor McGregor had pre-existing injury prior to unforeseen UFC 329 outcome: “Somebody would’ve noticed it”

Amid speculation regarding Conor McGregor’s injury at UFC 329, Dana White doesn’t believe there was a pre-existing issue.

McGregor did indeed make the walk for his highly anticipated return to the Octagon this past Saturday, but the entrance was all he got to soak up. The “Notorious” one hurt his right knee seemingly when going for a kick. The Irish megastar was limping around before the bout was stopped due to the injury.

Some have theorized that McGregor was dealing with a leg issue prior to the bout, but the former two-division champion denied that idea in a statement posted on social media. White also dismissed the theory when speaking to reporters during the UFC 329 post-fight press conference.

“We were talking about the guy over here earlier asking about there being a pre-injury,” White said. “Just on my accounts, the face-off that day is at 80 million views, right? So, if there was a pre-existing injury, somebody would’ve noticed it. ‘He was limping.’ Put his shoes on. He ran right at him. I don’t think there was. Anything is possible, but he sure didn’t look like it. For 80 million just on my accounts, that number’s got to be massive and nobody noticed anything. So, there you go.”

White also mentioned that McGregor is feared to have a blown ACL. While that hasn’t been fully confirmed, White said UFC doctors also feel that’s the injury that ultimately spoiled McGregor’s return. Holloway has said he doesn’t mind waiting until 2027 to fight McGregor again if the UFC brass wishes to rebook the fight when McGregor fully heals.

Whether or not Holloway will take another fight in 2026 likely boils down to the opportunities presented to him. Holloway has already shown interest in a rematch with UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje.

Have we seen the last of Conor McGregor inside the Octagon, or will he finish his UFC contract with a more proper return in 2027? Let your voice be heard in the comments below.