Georges St-Pierre has offered a heartfelt defense of Conor McGregor after the former two-division UFC champion’s long-awaited comeback ended in devastating fashion.
McGregor’s UFC 329 return lasted just 69 seconds after he injured his right knee while attempting a jumping kick against Max Holloway. The highly anticipated rematch was immediately stopped, leaving the former UFC two-division champion’s comeback in ruins before the fight had properly begun.
The injury was later confirmed to involve damage to McGregor’s ACL and meniscus. The Irishman subsequently underwent successful surgery and has since begun his recovery, with McGregor targeting a potential return next summer.
The UFC Hall of Famer admitted that watching the comeback unravel was particularly difficult.
I was heartbroken,” St-Pierre told Covers. “I feel for Conor. He was trying to make a comeback and, man, he blew his ACL. I just think it’s sad. The circumstances were out of everyone’s control.
McGregor’s injury also prompted some criticism from fans who suggested that the massive payday attached to his comeback may have been a major motivation for returning after more than five years away.
St-Pierre strongly disagrees with that assessment.
Some people accused him of, ‘Oh, he took a paycheck,’ but I’m sure he would rather have had a real fight and not gotten paid than have this happen,” St-Pierre said. “It’s very unfortunate, but that’s the sport.
“The Notorious” has already indicated that he wants to return next summer, which could potentially be the final fight of his current UFC contract.
Despite the disastrous ending to his comeback, St-Pierre believes there will still be enormous interest in seeing McGregor compete again.
