Conor McGregor Loses to Max Holloway After Knee Injury, Stats, Prize Money & Highlights from UFC 329

Max Holloway picked up a first-round TKO win over Conor McGregor in the UFC 329 main event on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the bout was really over before it started. McGregor suffered a right knee injury when throwing a head kick to open up the fight.

Holloway and McGregor shared a moment of respect afterwards:

The win marks the first time that Holloway has fought at 170 pounds. The former featherweight champion isn't likely to make a long-term home there, but the opportunity to fight McGregor made the move worth it.

McGregor got the better of Holloway over a decade ago when both were still establishing their names. He actually suffered a knee injury in that fight as well, but this one feels more devastating at this juncture.

Assuming McGregor has a long road to recovery, it could be time for Holloway to shift his focus elsewhere.

A return to lightweight to take on Justin Gaethje will certainly be an option. However, his success at welterweight could see him wait until Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry scheduled for August 15 for his next opponent.

Then again, Holloway was already angling for a trilogy fight with McGregor if the circumstances are right before this bout even took place.

"I'm going in there and put paws on him," Holloway said at UFC 329 media day. "I'm going to make him wish that he didn't come back—actually no, I'm not going to make him wish that. I'm going to make him think that he can do it one more time so we can rematch at the end of the year."

The score is now evened up at one apiece between the two historic featherweights. A trilogy bout would certainly make both men richer while giving them a chance to settle the score.

Prize money was not disclosed ahead of the fight, but the bout did generate a reported $25 million gate so it's still business as usual for a McGregor fight.