Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC helped UFC 329 attract one of the biggest audiences of the year, with the pay-per-view drawing 15.9 million viewers across the United States and Latin America. Although it narrowly missed the record set by last month’s UFC White House event, the card still ranked among the promotion’s most-watched events in 2026.
According to Paramount+, UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 recorded 14.3 million viewers in the United States and 1.6 million in Latin America, while the five-fight main card averaged 6.5 million viewers. Despite the main event ending quickly, McGregor’s comeback proved to be a major attraction, with the event finishing just behind the UFC White House card’s 17 million viewers.
Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers Worldwide
Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon generated huge interest despite his disappointing result at UFC 329. The former two-division champion suffered a first-round defeat to Max Holloway in Las Vegas after injuring his right knee just seconds into the fight, bringing the contest to an end in only 69 seconds. Even so, McGregor’s comeback proved to be a major attraction for Paramount+, with the event delivering strong viewership numbers across the United States and Latin America.
According to Paramount+, UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 reached 15.9 million viewers, including 14.3 million in the United States and 1.6 million in Latin America, while the five-fight main card averaged 6.5 million viewers. The event also recorded a peak of 8.3 million concurrent streams, making it the second-largest live event in Paramount+ history by concurrent viewership, behind only Super Bowl LVIII. It also surpassed the UFC White House event, which peaked at 7.9 million concurrent streams.
Although UFC 329 trailed the UFC White House card in overall audience and average viewership, McGregor’s comeback still ranked among the promotion’s biggest streaming successes. The Irish star later confirmed he will undergo surgery on his injured right knee and expressed hope of returning to complete the final fight remaining on his current UFC contract.
How Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 Comeback Ended In A First-Round Defeat
Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return at UFC 329 came to a heartbreaking end after he suffered a serious right knee injury just 69 seconds into his rematch against Max Holloway. The Irish star opened the fight aggressively with a jumping roundhouse kick, but landed awkwardly, causing his knee to buckle. Although McGregor briefly got back to his feet and tried to continue, he repeatedly lost his balance as the injury affected his movement. Referee Mike Beltran stepped in to stop the contest at the 1:09 mark of the opening round, handing Holloway a first-round TKO victory.
The sudden ending stunned fans inside the arena and those watching around the world. McGregor left the Octagon visibly limping and did not take part in a post-fight interview. He later described the injury as “hell” on social media and confirmed he had suffered significant damage to his right knee. The nature of the injury also sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some calling for the result to be ruled a no contest because the fight ended due to an unfortunate injury rather than sustained action.
Also Read: Where Will LeBron James Play Next? NBA Legend Drops Fresh Hint After Lakers ExitÂ
