Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the UFC lasted only 69 seconds on Saturday in Las Vegas.
He suffered a leg injury during his fight against Max Holloway that will require surgery.
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McGregor took to social media after the bout, saying, "Surgery. Prehab.
Return to martial arts practice. Go again."
He expressed determination to continue his career despite the setback.
The 38-year-old fighter stated he was in good health leading up to the fight. "I had no injury going into the fight.
I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere," he wrote.
"I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell."
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UFC's Response and McGregor's History
UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged the considerable interest surrounding McGregor's return. He mentioned he had "five ideas" for potential opponents if McGregor had won against Holloway.
The organization remains open to McGregor's future participation.
This injury adds to McGregor's history of physical setbacks. He previously recovered from a torn ACL in 2013 and a broken leg in 2021.
His last UFC victory was a 40-second match against Donald Cerrone in January 2020.
McGregor's career has also included legal battles and political aspirations during his time away from the octagon.
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The outcome of this fight leaves many questions about his next steps in the sport.
