Sean Strickland has a theory about why Conor McGregor’s comeback lasted just 69 seconds: the alleged anabolic steroids McGregor used during his five-year recovery from a broken leg may have left his body too fragile to hold up in elite competition.
The UFC middleweight champion, drawing on what he has seen from friends who used the same substances, suggested prolonged steroid use builds muscle while weakening connective tissue.
McGregor injured his knee off a flying kick in the UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas on Saturday, losing to Max Holloway in 69 seconds. It was his first fight since breaking his tibia against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 five years earlier.
Strickland Points To Alleged Steroid Use As A Factor
A New York Times report ahead of UFC 329 alleged that McGregor used drugs, including anabolic steroids both during and after his recovery from the leg break. Strickland picked up that thread when he weighed in on the injury.
Writing on Sean Strickland’s X post, the champion floated the connection between long-term steroid use and structural fragility.
I’m not saying this is it…but every homie I have that has done steroids for too long, their bodies become so fragile,” Strickland wrote. “I’m not saying that’s why but…it does weaken everything.
Responding to a fan, Strickland doubled down on the point with another example from his own circle.
I have a buddy who tears s— just doing the most basic activities,” he wrote.
Strickland has never been shy about voicing blunt opinions, whether on walking back comments aimed at Dustin Poirier or disputing Dana White’s version of events.
Conor McGregor Vows To Return
McGregor was visibly distraught after his long-awaited comeback ended with another serious-looking injury. Many observers framed the UFC 329 loss as the likely end of his career inside the Octagon.
The Irishman disagrees. In a post on social media, he vowed to return again in pursuit of what would be only his second win since capturing the lightweight title in 2016.
