Conor McGregor Wants His Loss to Max Holloway Erased: Here’s Why It Probably Won’t Happen

What Happened at UFC 329?

Imagine you’re getting ready for the biggest fight of your year. You walk out to the cage with cool fog machines blowing dry ice (that’s frozen carbon dioxide that makes thick, cool smoke). But then—surprise! The fog makes the floor wet and slippery.

That’s exactly what Conor McGregor says happened during his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329. Here’s the quick rundown:

• The Fight: Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway
• The Result: McGregor lost by TKO (Technical Knockout) after just 69 seconds
• The Injury: McGregor tore his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus (knee cartilage) when he slipped throwing a kick
• The Claim: McGregor says the fog machine made the cage floor wet, causing his injury

McGregor’s Argument: "It’s a No Contest!"

McGregor took to Instagram to make his case. He posted videos showing him slipping on the canvas and wrote:

"The white orange and green machine… the dry ice has the cage floor wet it’s a no contest now chop chop for the champ champ I’ll see ya’s next year 100%."

He also said earlier: "The fight should be a no contest and all bets returned."

What Is a "No Contest" Anyway?

ELI5 Definition: A "No Contest" means the fight officially never happened. It gets erased from both fighters’ records—no win, no loss, just a blank. Usually, this happens when something totally unfair or accidental occurs that isn’t either fighter’s fault (like an accidental headbutt early in the fight).

Why the Rules Say "No Way"

Here’s where it gets tricky. The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts (the official rulebook for UFC) are very specific about when a fight becomes a No Contest.

IMPORTANT POINT: According to the official rules, a No Contest only happens when:

1. A fighter gets hurt by accident (not from a legal strike)
2. Not enough time has passed for judges to score the fight

The Problem for McGregor: His injury happened during a legal fighting motion (throwing a kick), not from something "accidental" like an illegal blow. Plus, the referee stopped it due to injury—this counts as a TKO win for Holloway, not a No Contest.

Three Big Reasons This Won’t Work

1. The "Slippery Floor" Affects Everyone

If the floor was truly that wet and dangerous, Max Holloway would have been slipping too. But he wasn’t—he fought normally and capitalized on McGregor’s injury.

2. He Waited Too Long

McGregor waited three weeks to complain officially. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (the group that oversees fights in Las Vegas) has strict deadlines. By the time McGregor spoke up, the window to appeal had already closed.

3. This Is How MMA Works

Slipping on the canvas is a known risk in combat sports. Fighters check the floor during their walkout. If McGregor felt it was unsafe, he could have:

• Told the referee before the fight started
• Asked officials to dry the canvas
• Refused to fight (though that has its own consequences)

What’s Next for McGregor?

Despite the loss, McGregor is already looking ahead:

He’s calling it his "Last Dance"—a final fight before retirement, possibly in 2027 when he’s fully healed.

Summary

• McGregor lost to Holloway in 69 seconds due to a knee injury
• He claims a fog machine made the floor wet, causing the injury
• He wants the result changed to "No Contest" (fight erased)
• Rules don’t support this — injury happened during legal action
• Too much time passed — appeal deadline missed
• Holloway wasn’t affected — floor couldn’t have been that bad
• McGregor eyes 2027 for a final "Last Dance" fight

FAQ

What exactly is a TKO?

TKO (Technical Knockout) means the referee stops the fight because a fighter can’t safely continue—even if they’re not unconscious. In this case, McGregor’s knee gave out, so the ref stopped it.

Can fighters really appeal a loss weeks later?

Usually no. Athletic commissions have strict deadlines (often 5-10 days). McGregor’s 3-week delay likely killed any official chance.

Has a fog machine ever caused problems before?

Rarely, but yes. Some fighters have complained about slippery floors from walkout effects. Usually, officials check and dry the canvas before the fight starts.

What’s the difference between ACL and meniscus?

• ACL = Major ligament stabilizing your knee (like a strong rope)
• Meniscus = Cushiony cartilage between knee bones (like a shock absorber)
• Both torn = Major surgery + 9-12 months recovery

Will McGregor actually fight again in 2027?

He says yes, but he’ll be 39 years old coming off major knee surgery. In fight years, that’s ancient. But if anyone can sell a "Last Dance," it’s Conor McGregor.

Want to stay updated on McGregor’s recovery and potential return? Follow official UFC channels and the Nevada State Athletic Commission for any official rulings.