Max Holloway defeated Conor McGregor by first-round technical knockout after McGregor suffered an apparent knee injury just over a minute into the UFC 329 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11.
The highly anticipated rematch ended in unexpected fashion after McGregor appeared to injure his knee while attempting a jumping scissor kick moments after the opening bell. The injury brought an abrupt conclusion to an event that had otherwise delivered a series of decisive finishes and competitive contests across the main card.
McGregor’s injury ends main event prematurely
McGregor immediately attempted an explosive attack to open the contest, but appeared to damage his knee upon landing. Although he tried to continue, he lost his footing twice as the injury visibly affected his movement.
Holloway briefly looked toward referee Mike Beltran as McGregor struggled to remain upright. After the fighters resumed exchanging strikes, Holloway landed a kick that caused McGregor to retreat awkwardly before the referee stopped the bout at 1:09 of the opening round.
The result gave Holloway a victory in the long-awaited rematch, although the contest concluded without either fighter having the opportunity to establish sustained offense. UFC President Dana White has not announced Holloway’s next opponent, but the promotion noted that a future matchup with newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje could become a leading option.
Paddy Pimblett submits Benoit Saint Denis in under one minute
The co-main event produced one of the fastest finishes of the evening as Paddy Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint Denis with a D’arce choke just 52 seconds into the opening round.
Saint Denis initiated an early takedown attempt before Pimblett immediately threatened with a guillotine and smoothly transitioned to the fight-ending choke. The submission rendered the French lightweight unconscious, marking the most emphatic victory of Pimblett’s UFC career.
The performance further strengthens Pimblett’s standing among the lightweight division’s leading contenders as he continues his rise toward championship contention.
Mario Bautista earns unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen
Mario Bautista secured a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen, with all three judges scoring the contest 29-28 in his favor.
Sandhagen controlled much of the striking during the opening round before Bautista threatened with a Suloev stretch submission that appeared to limit Sandhagen’s mobility for the remainder of the fight.
Although Sandhagen responded effectively during the second round, Bautista increased his pressure late in the contest and scored a knockdown in the third round to secure the judges’ decision. The victory avenged an earlier career loss to Sandhagen and is expected to improve Bautista’s position in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
Royval submits Kavanagh after back-and-forth battle
Brandon Royval defeated Lone’er Kavanagh by rear-naked choke at 3:39 of the third round in what proved to be one of the night’s most entertaining contests.
Royval controlled much of the opening round with his reach and jab before Kavanagh rallied in the second, dropping the veteran with a clean strike. The third round featured sustained exchanges before Kavanagh attempted a guillotine that allowed Royval to reverse position and secure the submission victory.
The result reinforced Royval’s status among the UFC’s top flyweight contenders after an action-filled contest that showcased both fighters’ offensive abilities.
King Green rallies to stop Terrance McKinney
King Green completed a dramatic comeback by stopping Terrance McKinney with strikes at 4:59 of the opening round.
McKinney dominated much of the first round through aggressive striking, a takedown, and sustained ground control while pursuing multiple submission attempts. Green survived the sustained attack before regaining his footing in the closing seconds of the round.
A late offensive surge saw Green hurt McKinney with body shots before finishing the contest moments before the horn. The victory extended Green’s winning streak to four fights and marked his third consecutive finish inside the distance.
The main card concluded an event that featured numerous finishes throughout the evening, although McGregor’s injury brought an unexpected end to one of the UFC’s most anticipated rematches.
Reporting Credit: This report is based on reporting by UFC.
Article Topics: UFC 329 | Max Holloway | Conor McGregor | Paddy Pimblett | Brandon Royval | Mario Bautista | King Green | MMA
