It didn’t take long at all for Jake Paul to mock Conor McGregor after his unfortunate UFC 329 loss.
McGregor was ending a hiatus of five years to return to the octagon in a rematch with Max Holloway 13 years on from their original meeting.
But unlike their first clash, it ended in disaster for the Irishman who was forced to quit from the bout 69 seconds into the opening period.
‘The Notorious’ suffered a nasty looking knee injury, which is a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament.
It was a devastating blow in just his first fight back after suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
A whole host of combat sports’ top brass reacted online after watching the events from Las Vegas unfold.
One of those was Paul, an outspoken critic and potential opponent, who put his boot into the former champion after his injury.
He first put a series of laughing emojis in a post on X just moments after the result unfolded.
And he then filmed a video, which showed him throwing leg kicks, before holding his leg as if injured.
Paul then mimicked McGregor by falling to the canvas, but in his swimming pool in his property in Puerto Rico.
But after McGregor spoke out publicly to reveal his upset at yet another devastating injury, Paul gave a more sincere response.
He added finally: “Bullshit aside, prayers for you and your family.
“God does not like ugly, but God always forgives. Forgiveness is unconditional and limitless, provided through faith and sincere repentance.”
Paul has regularly tried to entice McGregor into either a boxing or MMA fight, and his latest dig will once again fuel the fire.
McGregor’s statement after loss
It was a brutal end to McGregor’s period of absence, as he suggested he was in the best physical condition of his life.
But once again it all ended in heartache and injury for McGregor, who is now facing an uncertain future in the UFC.
He will still be under contract and could explore a rematch with Holloway in 2027, with the Hawaii native open to the bout.
McGregor originally intended to get back active again before the end of 2026 but that now looks almost impossible.
UFC Schedule
The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with up to 30 smaller ‘Fight Night’ cards allowing prospects and less experienced fighters to showcase their talents.
On January 1, 2026, Dana White’s promotion signed a seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+ for exclusive rights in the US, meaning the UFC has put on shows like never before this year.
With the historic first event in the new Paramount era, UFC 324, delivering huge success, and a one-of-a-kind fight card at the White House in June opening up the UFC to a new audience, the promotion remains a premium global sports brand, and fans are eager to keep track of results and upcoming fights.
There are still several blockbuster shows and exciting contests for fight fans to look forward to in 2026, and you can find the full list of all confirmed events and official bouts as part of talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.
He wrote on X: “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight.
“I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight.
“This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.
I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened.
“The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock at what has taken place.”
