*This content was translated by AI.
'Even after raking in astronomical sums, the challenge continues.' Conor McGregor of Ireland declared his return to the octagon once again following a humiliating injury defeat in his comeback bout after five years.
On the 15th (Korean time), McGregor stated via his personal social networking service (SNS): "Everything will happen as I wish," and added, "I have faith. Surgery, rehabilitation, and training return are all possible. I will start again."
Previously, McGregor collapsed due to a senseless injury. At the 'UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2' main event welterweight bout held on the 12th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, former UFC Featherweight and BMF champion Max Holloway (USA) defeated him via TKO due to a right knee injury just 1 minute and 9 seconds into the first round. Despite stepping onto the octagon for barely over a minute, he earned astronomical revenue of approximately $26 million (39 billion won), but it was ultimately an honor marred by injury alone.
In fact, McGregor has already amassed unimaginable wealth. He became the first two-division champion to simultaneously hold both Featherweight and Lightweight titles, engaged in a high-profile bout with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr., and accumulated a net worth exceeding $200 million (approximately 3 trillion won), making him a sports chaebol. This comeback bout also drew global attention, as his guaranteed purse alone was reported to exceed $15 million (approximately 22.5 billion won).
According to reports from 'Yahoo Sports' and others, McGregor shattered the all-time UFC gate revenue record with a sold-out crowd of 20,078 spectators, generating approximately $26 million in ticket sales—the highest in UFC history. Thanks to this, McGregor once again demonstrated his star power by earning about 550 million won per second within just 69 seconds.
However, the historic comeback of the chaebol fighter who had already earned enormous sums ended in frustration. As soon as the match began, McGregor rushed forward attempting a flying kick but suffered severe knee impact from an unstable landing.
Immediately losing his balance and falling to the mat, Holloway unleashed a barrage of ground-and-pound strikes on McGregor. McGregor attempted to rise and throw a left punch, but ultimately lost his balance again and dropped to one knee.
Holloway even noticed something was wrong with his opponent's leg and glanced at the referee. However, the fight continued. Holloway delivered more ground-and-pound strikes before stepping back to give McGregor a chance to rise, and McGregor indicated his willingness to resume the bout. Yet, the moment McGregor put weight on his right leg, he cried out in excruciating pain, prompting the referee to immediately stop the fight. Holloway, who had previously lost by decision to McGregor in their first matchup in 2013, achieved perfect revenge after 13 years.
In the post-fight press conference, Holloway recalled: "McGregor's children were in the front row of the audience, so I wanted to avoid unnecessary damage and tried to end the fight early," adding, "When I first started throwing punches on the ground, he shouted 'Fight! Fight!' at me."
Holloway continued: "As expected, McGregor was truly like a madman. So I stepped back briefly to let him get up and fight, but he eventually fell again. Ending it this way isn't good. We must have a third bout with McGregor," he insisted.
Given how senselessly the match ended, some even raised speculation about a pre-existing injury for McGregor. In response, McGregor stated: "During training and backstage, I kicked and jumped just as usual," adding, "This incident was truly unexpected. It's devastating like hell, but I will overcome this crisis, refuse to surrender, and return again," burning with determination for his comeback.
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*This content was translated by AI.
