McGregor’s return ends abruptly
Conor McGregor’s anticipated return to the UFC at UFC 329 in Las Vegas concluded early, lasting just over a minute in his bout against Max Holloway. The fight, which served as the main event at the T-Mobile Arena, saw McGregor appear to suffer a leg injury during an attempted kick. This incident led to the fight being called off, marking an unexpected end to his comeback.
The match was a rematch between McGregor and Holloway, a highly anticipated event for many fans. Prior to the fight, MMA legend Nate Diaz had shared his prediction for the main event, indicating either an early knockout victory for McGregor or a win for Holloway if the fight extended to five rounds. Diaz’s prediction highlighted the shifting odds, with late money favoring Holloway as the fight approached.
Other notable performances at UFC 329
Despite the abrupt ending to the main event, UFC 329 featured several other memorable performances. Paddy Pimblett delivered a quick victory, submitting Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds with a guillotine choke. This performance came after Pimblett had faced a tough fight against Justin Gaethje earlier in the year, and his swift win at UFC 329 addressed any lingering doubts about his form.
In another significant bout, Robert Whittaker moved up to the light heavyweight division, securing a victory over Nikita Krylov. Whittaker, known for his speed and precision, maintained these traits in his new weight class, with his performance leading to Krylov’s jaw being separated from its socket. Whittaker expressed his comfort in the new division, stating, “This is my home now.”
Brandon Royval also showcased his survival instincts in a chaotic fight against Lone’er Kavanagh. Royval, who was caught by a strong shot in the second round, battled through and ultimately secured a submission victory in the third round. His opponent, Kavanagh, struggled to defend against Royval’s clutches, eventually moving into a rear-naked choke position that ended the fight.
Additionally, Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medallist, made his UFC debut with a brutal knockout victory over Elisha Ellison. Steveson’s performance involved a barrage of knees and punches, demonstrating his capabilities in the octagon. This win marked his fourth professional MMA victory in as many fights, making a statement in his debut.
Challenges and outcomes for other fighters
While some fighters celebrated victories, others faced setbacks. Terrance McKinney’s fight against King Green ended in the first round. McKinney started aggressively but appeared to exhaust himself, allowing a resilient Green to turn the tide. Green’s winning streak extended to four, a run he had not achieved since 2014, after McKinney’s knees buckled in the final seconds of the round.
The event also highlighted the physical toll of the sport, as seen in McGregor’s injury. His leg, which had previously suffered a severe injury against Dustin Poirier, appeared to give way again. This incident has led to discussions about McGregor’s future in the sport, with some suggesting it might be the conclusion of his career.
The betting odds for the main event had seen Holloway as a -305 favorite, with McGregor as a +255 betting underdog. While McGregor possesses knockout power, Holloway’s recent activity, younger age, and better cardio were considered advantages if the fight went the distance. However, the fight’s early stoppage due to McGregor’s injury prevented a definitive outcome based on these factors.
The night, filled with both triumphs and challenges, concluded with various outcomes for the fighters involved at the T-Mobile Arena.
Source: bleacherreport.com