Paddy Pimblett did categorical a lot sympathy for Conor McGregor after the previous two-division UFC champion suffered a critical knee damage throughout the primary occasion of UFC 329.
“Oh my god, McGregor’s completed already?,” Pimblett requested. “He’s completed, the brand new boy is on the town. I can turn out to be the face of the group now.”
Paddy Pimblett’s stay response to Conor McGregor’s loss:
“Oh my god, McGregor’s completed already? He’s completed, the brand new boy is on the town. I can turn out to be the face of the group now.” #UFC329pic.twitter.com/ytNRCaAx8X
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 12, 2026
McGregor’s extremely anticipated return to the Octagon lasted solely moments earlier than catastrophe struck. Making an attempt an early flying kick towards Max Holloway, the Irish star landed awkwardly, showing to severely injure his knee. The bout was stopped shortly afterward when it grew to become clear McGregor might not proceed, bringing an abrupt finish to his first UFC look in additional than 5 years.
Earlier within the night, Pimblett had delivered one of many standout performances of the cardboard, submitting Benoit Saint Denis in simply 52 seconds to re-establish himself among the many light-weight division’s prime contenders. The emphatic victory instantly fueled hypothesis about his subsequent opponent, with a number of fighters and analysts calling for blockbuster matchups involving the Liverpool native.
McGregor didn’t attend the post-fight press convention due to the knee damage, leaving questions in regards to the severity of the harm and the timeline for any potential return unanswered. UFC president Dana White is predicted to supply additional updates as soon as McGregor undergoes further medical analysis.
Regardless of the unlucky ending to the primary occasion, UFC 329 considerably boosted Pimblett’s standing within the light-weight division. His fast submission victory earned widespread reward and has already sparked debate over whether or not he ought to face champion Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje in a rematch, or one other top-five contender subsequent.
For McGregor, nevertheless, the main focus has shifted from championship aspirations to restoration, with one other prolonged rehabilitation now a risk after an eagerly awaited comeback resulted in heartbreaking style.
