Conor McGregor Reflects on Personal Struggles Ahead of UFC 329 Return
Conor McGregor is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 329 on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will feature a welterweight rematch between McGregor and Max Holloway, marking the Irishman's first appearance in the UFC since July 2021.
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, the 37-year-old fighter opened up about the difficult period he experienced during his five-year layoff. McGregor admitted to hitting "rock bottom" and described experiencing "dark moments" following a severe leg injury sustained during his last bout against Dustin Poirier.
Reflecting on his behavior during this time, McGregor stated that he has forgiven himself for "disgracing the position that God put me in," noting that he had done so on multiple occasions. He expressed that he has no regrets and is thankful for the lessons learned during his absence from the sport.
McGregor emphasized that while he pursued other interests, including acting in movies, fighting remains his "bread and butter" and the primary source of his motivation. He noted that returning to a life of structure and discipline represents the best version of himself.
Ahead of the upcoming fight, McGregor claimed on social media that he is "better than ever" and feels energized as he enters an intense training camp. He expressed gratitude for his coaching team and training partners as he prepares to showcase his martial arts mastery once again.
The return comes after a long recovery from a broken tibia, an injury that led to concerns he might never walk again. While recent reports from The New York Times alleged the use of performance-enhancing drugs during his recovery, the UFC has stated that McGregor has remained in full compliance with its drug program.
