'Net worth plummeted from 300 billion won to 69 seconds later, 39 billion won': McGregor vows never to retire, "Doubt me as much as you want, I will..."

*This content was translated by AI.

After collapsing in a heartbreaking 69-second loss during his highly anticipated octagon return fight, Conor McGregor (38, Ireland), who has now completed surgery, has once again declared his determination to return.

British media outlet 'BBC' reported on the 8th (Korea time) that "McGregor successfully underwent surgery for a knee injury sustained during his UFC return match and has reiterated his strong desire to return to the octagon."

Previously, McGregor suffered a TKO defeat due to a right knee injury just 69 seconds into the welterweight bout against Max Holloway at 'UFC 329' held last month at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The injury occurred when his knee buckled while attempting a kick immediately after the fight began.

This was McGregor's first octagon return in nearly five years since he suffered a broken leg in his 2021 bout against Dustin Poirier, yet it ended in a devastating collapse. However, McGregor still demonstrated his enduring star power by earning approximately $26 million (about 39 billion won), including a guaranteed purse of $15 million (about 22.5 billion won) within just 69 seconds.

He is an all-time UFC superstar. It is known that McGregor, the first fighter to simultaneously hold titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, has already accumulated a net worth exceeding $200 million (approximately 300 billion won) through boxing matches against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and other ventures.

Having completed surgery, McGregor stated via his social networking service (SNS), "The surgery went well, and my knee has recovered." He added, "Let those who doubt me keep talking. I did not shy away from pain but faced it head-on. My return has already begun. There are no shortcuts, no excuses—only the will to rise again."

In a jointly released video, McGregor referenced legendary sports stars who overcame serious injuries and returned, including UFC bantamweight champion twice Dominic Cruz, two-division champion Georges St-Pierre, and seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady. McGregor emphasized, "MMA fighters are my motivation. No one can stop or destroy my mental strength."

However, the public gaze toward McGregor has not been entirely favorable. In recent years, he has faced criticism amid various controversies, including legal disputes and failure to comply with doping tests. McGregor was suspended for 18 months after evading drug testing three times over a 12-month period in 2024. Although his suspension was lifted last March and he returned to the ring, he was once again halted by injury.

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*This content was translated by AI.