Conor McGregor issues statement over pre-UFC 329 injury conspiracy and makes his return demands clear

CONOR MCGREGOR wants to complete the Max Holloway trilogy as “nonsense” injury conspiracy theories are put to bed. Following a five-year hiatus, McGregor’s comeback lasted all of 69 seconds as his ill-fated jumping roundhouse kick led to his knee popping out. Conor McGregor has slammed claims that he was already injured Credit: Reuters McGregor’s comeback lasted all of 69 seconds as his knee popped out Credit: Reuters Fans were stunned as the referee was forced to called time on the fight but eagle-eyed viewers suspected foul play. Theorists suggested that McGregor already had something wrong with his knee and the awkward landing only exacerbated the injury. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! In the UFC 329 clip, the Dubliner nervously slips off his shoes before stepping into the octagon. McGregor, 38, took to X again to rubbish the injury claims, he wrote: “More nonsense. “I had zero issue. The taking off of my shoe at octagon side, a sweaty foot, without a sock on, pulling off the shoe with the ball of my free foot. “It was a brief disbalance. If even.” “I was primed. Fit. Healthy. My engine, my oxygen, my blood, my HR, was never in better condition. “Next time I’ll give a little scream at the camera so the illusion of something else is there.” Most read in Sport In a clip circulating the Dubliner nervously slips off his shoes before stepping into the octogon Credit: AP McGregor has revealed that his next fight has to be Max Holloway Credit: Reuters But warming up before the fight also showed him kicking with what appeared to be his full power. McGregor confirmed that there is only one name on the list for his return. He said: “It has to be Holloway.” McGregor also referenced referee Mike Beltran’s decision to stop the fight, after all he saw out the first meeting – winning on a unanimous decision on the scorecards – having torn his ACL in the second round in 2013. The Dubliner said: “The first fight was midway thru the second round and we were positioned on the canvas where there was no weight bearing necessary. “It was also the left leg which is my back leg in fighting stance. “When you strike you move onto your lead leg so the effect was less. I was able to strike sufficiently and enter to a takedown. “This current one was my lead leg. The right leg. Every movement was effected. It was also not me who was calling for the fight to be waved.” McGregor also confirmed: “I have not and will not take any mind altering substances.” But he added that if the showdown had gone down another route, he may have “ended back in the cycle”. “However it went the way it went and I am awaiting my surgery and planning my recovery. “So zero mind altering substances have entered my body whatsoever. “More time under extreme discipline is required and that is it. I find extreme discipline most enjoyable anyway so happy days.” Comment now