Conor McGregor suffers early knee injury in return, loses to Max Holloway at UFC 329

Conor McGregor's return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 ended unceremoniously at just 1:09 of the first round Saturday night because of a knee injury.

Fighting for the first time in more than five years, McGregor flew across the ring with a flying left roundhouse kick when the match started and landed awkwardly on his right knee.

After attempting to kick and strike Holloway (28-9-0) two more times, it was clear McGregor (22-7-0) couldn't finish the scheduled five-round welterweight bout.

"My head gasket is gone. Destroyed," McGregor said on social media. "I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell."

Asked if there may have been an existing injury, UFC President Dana White said there were no signs of it Friday at the ceremonial weigh-in.

"Five years off in this sport is rough," White said. "We're assuming a blown ACL. That's what I assumed when I saw it, and that's what the doctors think, too."

White added that with the millions of social-media views of McGregor rushing Holloway at the weigh-in, someone would have noticed if anyone was injured.

Holloway said he kept telling referee Mike Beltran to stop the fight because it was apparent McGregor was injured, but the former champion kept saying, "Fight!"

"During the fight, you could see his demeanor change," Holloway said. "When I saw him hurt, I said, 'Call this, he's hurt.'

"I just hope for a speedy recovery."

Holloway closed a -300 favorite at Bet MGM Sportsbook, which means a bettor would have to lay $300 US to win $100. McGregor was a +240 underdog, which means a bettor would win $240