Conor McGregor is back. And there goes Conor McGregor.

Saturday's UFC 329 main event failed to live up to the hype, with McGregor lasting just 69 seconds before an injury stopped his rematch with Max Holloway. This was McGregor's first fight since 2021, and it is difficult to imagine a worse scenario than what a packed house at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas witnessed.

Card Delivered, Main Event Didn't

Prior to that disappointment, several fighters put on star performances including Paddy Pimblett, Brandon Royval, Robert Whittaker, and Gable Steveson. But the fallout of the headliner is sure to cast a long shadow.

"All-time card, until that damn bell rang in the main event," one observer said. "You got the full MMA experience: a great fight, a sick sub, some good finishes, one squash match, and hilarious disappointment."

What's Next for McGregor?

The consensus is that McGregor will not retire, despite the devastating setback.

One take suggests the injury may have actually worked in McGregor's favor. The whole point of all of this for McGregor is simply to fight out his UFC contract so he can hit the free market and start making real money. Getting thumped by Max could detract from future interest. An injury, however, does not.

Others believe retirement might be the best option, noting that McGregor's one remaining UFC fight keeps him locked up. Unless McGregor has a one-of-a-kind deal, that one remaining fight keeps him in the UFC.

The most likely scenario: McGregor has surgery, recovers and the process starts all over again. He will promise he is ready to fight, the UFC gives him an opponent, and then the clock starts ticking on whether he actually stays healthy enough to compete.