Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the UFC octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas concluded just 1 minute and 9 seconds into the opening round due to a knee problem.

In his first appearance in over five years, the 37-year-old Irish fighter launched a flying left roundhouse kick at the start, but landed awkwardly on his right knee.

Despite attempting additional kicks and strikes against Holloway (28-9-0), it became evident that McGregor (22-7-0) could not continue the planned five-round welterweight contest.

"Five years away from this sport takes a toll," stated UFC President Dana White. "We believe it's a torn ACL. That was my initial thought upon seeing the incident, and the medical team agrees."

Holloway entered as the betting favorite. McGregor was listed at +240 odds, indicating a $100 bet on the Irish star would yield $240 in profit if successful.

"What can I say? I guess I left him with weak knees," Holloway remarked.

"There was so much buildup. We need to do this again sometime," he added. "It's disappointing for it to finish this way."

McGregor entered the ring accompanied by the Notorious BIG’s “Hypnotize” and cheers from the packed T-Mobile Arena crowd. His previous fight occurred precisely five years and one day prior to this event.

Described by McGregor as “the comeback of all comebacks in sports history”, this was a rematch of their 2013 featherweight encounter, which McGregor won via unanimous decision.

McGregor had been sidelined since fracturing his left leg in a 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier. Prior to that, he was the UFC's top draw, becoming the first fighter to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes in 2016. He is said to have earned over $100 million from his 2017 boxing match loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

His most recent UFC win came in a quick 40-second victory over Donald Cerrone in January 2020.

Earlier on Saturday, England's Paddy Pimblett defeated France's Benoit Saint Denis via submission in just 52 seconds of their lightweight matchup.