McGregor v Holloway II: ‘Crazy’ Conor move before comeback ends in farce
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Allegation mars farcical Conor comeback
Conor McGregor has been accused of carrying a secret injury into his comeback fight following an embarrassing 60-second performance that will have fans feeling ripped off.
The fight began with McGregor racing towards Holloway and leaping off the ground in an attempted flying roundhouse kick, which missed by several inches, before he fell to the canvas.
He tried another high kick, again falling to the canvas, before dropping a third time and being pummelled by Holloway before the referee stepped in to end the farce.
Replays showed McGregor’s right knee buckle badly as he landed the first time, and UFC boss Dana White later revealed the Irishman has likely ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Conor McGregor of Ireland reacts after sustaining a leg injury and losing in the first round of his fight with Max Holloway. Ian Maule
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The main event was a fizzer but there were some good fights on the card before that.
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Rogan rips Conor for ‘crazy move’
UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan criticises Conor McGregor for the bizarre first move in his fight against Max Holloway.
McGregor immediately attempted a flying roundhouse kick, which missed, but ended up busting his knee and effectively ended the fight.
“He just tried a crazy move. He tried to jump and roundhouse kick,” Rogan says.
“If you don’t land in a good way with the supporting leg, you put so much pressure on that knee.
“He landed with his knee in the worst position.
“He blew his ACL out, 100 per cent.
“It sucks. You just don’t do that.”
Conor McGregor jumps into the air for a kick as he fights Max Holloway. John Locher
Conor booed as Holloway pays tribute
Fans are rightly booing Conor McGregor as the 37-year-old Irish fighter leaves the arena.
But his opponent Max Holloway has nothing nasty to say about his rival.
“Let’s give it up for Conor, what an absolute animal,” Holloway says.
“When we were in here, I kept trying to call the fight (off), and he kept asking to fight on.
“But you guys are lucky, because there’s going to be a Holloway v McGregor three now.”
McGregor’s last two fights have ended in nasty injuries, and plenty has happened in between those bouts - including rape charges and allegations of drug use.
But it seems destined the UFC will bring him back for another fight... will fans be bothered to stump up the cash though?
Conor McGregor leaves the octagon. Main Event
Was Conor secretly already injured?
UFC commentators are speculating whether Conor McGregor carried a secret injury into his fight with Max Holloway.
The Irishman could not compete, falling to the canvas three times in one minute before the referee called it off.
It’s an utter embarrassment for McGregor and for the UFC. Fans have been well and truly ripped off.
Commentators noted a moment before the fight when McGregor took his shoes off, and appeared to wince in pain and wobble with his right leg in the air.
This story is only going to get bigger.
Conor McGregor wobbles on one leg pre-fight. Main Event
The moment McGregor was injured
Commentators believe Conor McGregor busted a ligament in his right knee on the very first move of his comeback fight against Max Holloway.
McGregor ran straight at his rival and attempted a flying kick, but landed awkwardly on his right foot and his knee appeared to buckle.
From there he hit the canvas three times, then Holloway effectively asked the referee to stop the fight rather than continue beating up on the controversial Irishman.
What a sad, sad way for this to go down - lots of people will be feeling ripped off.
Conor McGregor’s knee buckles. Main Event
CONOR LOSES IN ONE MINUTE!
OH MY GOODNESS!
Conor McGregor has lost in ONE MINUTE to Max Holloway in his comeback UFC fight.
He attempted two flying kicks straight away, fell to the canvas and then the ref called it off as McGregor appears to be injured.
This is crazy!
Conor McGregor loses to Max Holloway. Main Event
Conor McGregor loses to Max Holloway. Main Event
And here is Conor!
Conor McGregor is in the octagon for his first fight in five years.
He takes on Max Holloway NOW.
He winked at the camera as he emerged from the tunnel.
Then he pulls out his signature strut as he enters the octagon.
LET’S GOOO!
Conor McGregor winks. Main Event
Max Holloway walks to the ring
Max Holloway makes his way to the ring - with no team behind him!
Let’s go Max.
Max Holloway. Main Event
Can McGregor beat Holloway?
Australian UFC legends Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker are both expecting Conor McGregor to lose in his comeback fight.
But even with their predictions, there’s an air of uncertainty as the 37-year-old returns to face Max Holloway after an extended five-year absence.
There will be no ring rust for Max Holloway when he steps into the cage against his former rival McGregor, but that makes it “curious” viewing for everyone.
