Several weeks after suffering a knee injury in the opening seconds of his return at UFC 329, Conor McGregor has continued to call for his TKO loss to Max Holloway to be overturned to a no contest. The former two-division champion pointed the finger at dry ice on the Octagon floor as the factor that led to his premature exit and remains adamant the result should be nullified.
McGregor cites dry ice on Octagon floor
McGregor took to Instagram to share his frustration with the way the fight concluded, suggesting that the dry ice used during the introduction had left the canvas wet. In his post, he wrote: “The white orange and green machine. mosying on back to the office, up the office! Sorry I’m late but the dry ice has the cage floor wet it’s a no contest now chop chop for the champ champ I’ll see ya’s next year 100%.”
The 38-year-old first raised the matter almost immediately after being defeated by Holloway, contending that the environmental conditions inside the Octagon contributed to his torn ACL and MCL. His latest public plea represents his most detailed explanation yet for why the official TKO ruling merits reversal.
Recovery update and surgery timeline
Following the injury that ended his highly anticipated return at UFC 329, McGregor has provided several updates on his rehabilitation. He recently shared a video of himself beginning physiotherapy exercises, indicating that he has moved swiftly into the recovery phase despite undergoing surgery for his torn knee ligaments.
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that McGregor will be sidelined for at least a year. White declined to discuss any concrete plans for McGregor’s next appearance, emphasising that the priority is a full recovery rather than speculation over future match-ups.
Long-term plans: targeting International Fight Week 2027
In addition to seeking a no contest ruling, McGregor has revealed his intention to make International Fight Week 2027 the stage for his final UFC bout, assuming his rehabilitation remains on course. He has expressed a clear preference for a trilogy fight against Max Holloway, explicitly rejecting suggestions that he might instead face Michael Chandler as his swansong.
While no date or official confirmation has been announced, McGregor’s focus appears set on ending his UFC tenure in Las Vegas during next year’s marquee celebration of MMA.
As the debate over the UFC 329 result continues and McGregor progresses through his recovery, his campaign to overturn the outcome underscores the former champion’s determination to control the narrative surrounding his legacy.
FAQ
What result is Conor McGregor challenging?
McGregor is calling for his TKO loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 to be overturned and recorded as a no contest, arguing that a wet Octagon floor contributed to his knee injury.
How did McGregor explain the cause of his injury?
In an Instagram post, McGregor blamed dry ice used during the ring walk for leaving the Octagon floor wet, which he believes led to his torn ACL and MCL.
When is McGregor expected to return to the UFC?
UFC president Dana White has indicated McGregor will be out of action for at least a year. McGregor himself has tentatively targeted International Fight Week 2027 for his potential comeback and final UFC fight.
Who does McGregor want as his last opponent?
McGregor has stated he aims for a trilogy match with Max Holloway during International Fight Week 2027 and has dismissed calls for a bout with Michael Chandler as his farewell fight.
