Jake Paul mocks Conor McGregor after knee injury at UFC 329

Jake Paul has wasted no time in taunting Conor McGregor following the Irishman's devastating loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Saturday night. McGregor's return to the octagon after a five-year hiatus ended in disaster when he suffered a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament just 69 seconds into the first round.

The injury occurred as McGregor awkwardly planted his leg, forcing him to withdraw from the bout. It was a bitter blow for the former champion, who was already returning from a broken leg sustained in his 2021 fight against Dustin Poirier. The loss leaves McGregor's future in the UFC uncertain.

Paul's reaction

Shortly after the fight ended, Paul took to social media to mock McGregor. He posted a series of laughing emojis on X, then released a video showing himself throwing leg kicks and collapsing to the ground while mimicking McGregor's injury — all from the safety of his swimming pool in Puerto Rico.

However, after McGregor issued a statement expressing his disappointment, Paul adopted a more conciliatory tone, writing: "Bullshit aside, prayers for you and your family. God does not like ugly, but God always forgives." Paul has repeatedly tried to lure McGregor into a boxing or MMA matchup, and this latest dig is likely to reignite their rivalry.

What's next for McGregor?

McGregor, who claimed he was in the best shape of his life before the fight, now faces a lengthy recovery. A torn ACL typically requires surgery and months of rehabilitation, effectively ruling him out for the foreseeable future. Holloway has expressed openness to a rematch in 2027, but McGregor's immediate plans remain unclear.

• McGregor suffered a knee injury 69 seconds into round one at UFC 329.
• The injury is suspected to be a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
• This was McGregor's first fight since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
• Jake Paul mocked McGregor on social media before offering a prayer message.
• McGregor's fighting future is uncertain due to the severity of the injury.

The UFC continues to expand its schedule under a new broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+, but McGregor's return to the octagon now seems unlikely before 2027 at the earliest.