Dana White says Conor McGregor faces surgery before any UFC return
The UFC boss told TMZ Sports that McGregor needs knee surgery, rehab and time to decide whether he wants to fight again.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Conor McGregor’s next fight is on ice while his knee gets the full repair job, according to UFC president and CEO Dana White.
White told TMZ Sports at Fanatics Fest 2026 in New York City on Saturday that McGregor is facing surgery and a long stretch of physical therapy after the injury that stopped his comeback fight against Max Holloway.
The bout ended in a first-round TKO for Holloway at UFC 329, according to a UFC post on X. The stoppage came after McGregor suffered the knee injury and could not continue.
White said he has spoken with McGregor since the loss. According to TMZ Sports, White described the former UFC champion as sad and frustrated about the way the fight ended.
The UFC boss also said the recovery period may force McGregor to take a hard look at what comes next. White said McGregor will need extensive recuperation, and he believes part of that time should be spent deciding whether he still wants to compete in combat sports.
That leaves McGregor’s fighting future stuck between a medical timetable and his own appetite for another run. White did not sound certain that McGregor will return, according to TMZ Sports, but he also did not announce any retirement decision or next opponent.
McGregor, meanwhile, has already been talking about getting back in there. TMZ Sports reported that McGregor has said he wants another fight with Holloway after the injury-marred ending.
The result added another twist to a rivalry between two of the biggest names in UFC. Holloway officially left with the win, while McGregor left with a damaged knee and another comeback plan thrown into doubt.
White was also asked by TMZ Sports about criticism aimed at Holloway for celebrating the victory after McGregor’s injury prevented him from continuing. TMZ Sports said White gave his view on the reaction, though the report did not detail the full comments.
For now, the hard facts are medical, not promotional. White says McGregor needs surgery, then physical therapy, then a decision about whether the next chapter includes another walk to the Octagon.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.