UFC 329 Results: Conor McGregor’s Career in Jeopardy
The highly anticipated UFC 329 event was marred by Conor McGregor’s latest injury, which has left his career in jeopardy. The Irish superstar suffered a torn ACL in his right knee just 69 seconds into his main event fight against Max Holloway. McGregor’s aggressive approach to the fight, which included a leaping kick, ultimately led to his downfall as he collapsed to the canvas multiple times while trying to strike with Holloway.
McGregor’s injury is the latest in a string of setbacks that have plagued his career in recent years. He suffered a broken left leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, and his recent 1-4 run in the Octagon has raised serious questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. With his body seemingly unable to withstand the rigors of fighting, it’s hard to see McGregor continuing his career as a top-level fighter.
Despite his struggles, McGregor remains a fan favorite and a major draw for the UFC. However, his latest injury has brought his career to a crossroads, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to overcome this latest setback and continue competing at a high level.
Paddy Pimblett Finds Redemption
Paddy Pimblett’s redemption story continued at UFC 329, as he earned a massive win over Benoit Saint Denis. Pimblett, who had suffered a brutal loss to Justin Gaethje in his previous fight, predicted that he would finish Saint Denis with a choke. And finish him he did, as Pimblett wrapped Saint Denis in a tight chokehold and forced him to submit in the first round.
Pimblett’s win marked a significant turning point in his career, as he has now earned two straight victories after a tough loss to Gaethje. His confidence and skill in the cage are undeniable, and he is now firmly established as a contender in the lightweight division.
Gable Steveson Shows Promise
Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion heavyweight wrestler, made his UFC debut at UFC 329 and impressed with a first-round stoppage of Elisha Ellison. Steveson’s skills in the cage are undeniable, and he has the potential to become a top-level heavyweight fighter in the future.
However, Steveson’s performance against Ellison was not without its flaws. He struggled with his striking at times, and his inexperience in the cage was evident. Nevertheless, his promise and potential make him an exciting prospect for the future, and he will be one to watch in the coming months and years.
Former Champions Trending in Opposite Directions
The UFC 329 card also featured two former champions who are trending in opposite directions. Cody Garbrandt, a former bantamweight champion, suffered a crushing knockout loss to Adrian Yañez in the first round. Garbrandt’s loss marked his sixth stoppage loss since winning the bantamweight title from Dominick Cruz in 2016, and it’s hard to see what the path forward is for him at this point in his career.
On the other hand, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker made his light heavyweight debut at UFC 329 and looked impressive in a third-round stoppage of Nikita Krylov. Whittaker’s speed and boxing skills were on full display, and he showed that he is still a formidable force in the Octagon.