McGregor, shouting "Let's keep fighting" with shattered knees... even Holloway pleaded, "Please stop."

*This content was translated by AI.

Was it because the return match, coming after five years, was on the verge of ending so futilely? Even in a situation where continuing the fight seemed impossible, Conor McGregor (38, Ireland) kept shouting, "Let's fight," until the very end.

WRAL, a North Carolina-based U.S. media outlet, reported on the 12th (Korean time) that "Max Holloway (U.S.) requested referee Mike Beltran to stop the fight after it became clear McGregor was injured," but added that "former champion McGregor continued shouting 'Fight!' and tried to continue the bout."

McGregor lost via TKO in the first round at 1 minute and 9 seconds in the welterweight (77.1 kg) main event of 'UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2' held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on this day.

McGregor, who suffered a fractured left leg in 2021, returned to the octagon for the first time in five years through this match. As his comeback fight after a long absence, it drew attention from combat sports fans worldwide.

However, the highly anticipated return game ended after just 69 seconds. It was not due to the opponent's batting, but an unexpected knee injury that hampered him.

McGregor attempted a flying left roundhouse kick immediately after the match began. However, he misstepped with his right knee during landing and subsequently failed to regain proper balance. McGregor attempted two more attacks but was in a state where normal movement was difficult.

Holloway, who had attempted a pounding maneuver, noticed McGregor's distress and immediately requested the referee to stop the match. The broadcast also captured Holloway looking toward the umpire, appearing to ask him to check on McGregor's condition.

However, McGregor did not give up. He continued to shout "Let's fight" toward Holloway and the referee, showing his determination to continue the match.

The media outlet stated, "It seems difficult for him to have given up on his comeback match after waiting five years," but added, "However, his body was already in a condition where he could no longer continue the fight. The referee ultimately stopped the match just 1 minute and 9 seconds after it began and declared a TKO victory for Holloway."

Halloween explained after the game, "I could see McGregor's attitude and movements change during the match," adding, "After confirming that he was injured, I told the referee to end the game. He is injured."

He added, "I hope McGregor recovers quickly," wishing his opponent a speedy recovery.

McGregor was reported to have a possible tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Dana White, UFC chief executive officer (CEO), said after the match, "At this point, we are estimating an ACL tear. I am not a doctor, but when I saw the injury scene, that is what I thought. Medical staff also see the same possibility."

White also added that the exact condition would be known after undergoing an MRI scan.

McGregor appeared to be deeply shaken by the anticlimactic end of his comeback fight. Reports indicate that despite suffering a serious injury, he refused to use crutches and limped off the field.

McGregor suffered an ACL tear in his first matchup against Holloway back in 2013. At the time, he fought through the injury to the end and secured a decision victory. However, after 13 years, McGregor's body at age 38 was no longer the same. In the rematch with Holloway, his knee gave way just 69 seconds into the fight, and he ultimately had to bow out.

If the injury is severe, it remains unclear when McGregor will return to the octagon. Considering he has suffered multiple major injuries in the past and is also of considerable age, a significant amount of time may be required for rehabilitation. McGregor also expressed his despondent state on his social media after the match, stating, "This injury came suddenly," and adding, "There is no other way to describe it than hell."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.