Max Holloway reveals what Conor McGregor said to him after injuring knee at UFC 329

Max Holloway provided insight into his brief interaction with Conor McGregor during their UFC 329 main event, which ended after just over a minute when McGregor suffered a severe knee injury attempting an opening flying kick. Holloway revealed that even while grounded, McGregor urged him to continue fighting, demonstrating the Irishman's determination despite obvious physical distress. "This guy's kids are front row, I don't want to see him take unnecessary damage," Holloway explained. "But this is how crazy Conor is: The first time he's on the ground, I was punching him and he's like, 'Fight! Fight!'" Holloway credited referee Mike Beltran for stopping the action, noting that McGregor's children were seated ringside and unnecessary damage should be prevented. In the lead-up to the fight, McGregor had repeatedly claimed to be a changed man, dedicating himself to religion and intensive training after years of legal troubles and questionable behavior. Holloway acknowledged this shift in demeanor but sensed something different about the former two-division champion entering the octagon. "Even with him walking into the octagon, it just didn't seem like the same Conor," Holloway said. "He was still there to fight, but I thought he would be a little bit more rowdy, a little bit more crazy. He looked, like, really, really calm." Holloway floated the possibility of a trilogy match but indicated he won't compete again until 2027, citing the need for family time after his March fight and the UFC 329 bout.