Ali Akbar Rosady
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling has expressed profound empathy for Conor McGregor, whose anticipated return to the octagon was abruptly halted by a knee injury during his recent bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329. Sterling, who himself navigated a perilous path back to championship form after a career-threatening neck surgery, understands the physical and psychological toll such setbacks inflict, stating, "Many people told me my career was over."
Sterling’s own journey to recovery began shortly after he first claimed the UFC Bantamweight title. Despite reaching the pinnacle of his division, a chronic neck injury, which had plagued him for years, necessitated immediate attention. In 2021, Sterling underwent what he described as "life-changing" surgery, an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure, to alleviate severe pain and nerve damage. This intricate surgery, involving the removal of a damaged disc and fusion of vertebrae in his neck, carried significant risks, including potential long-term complications and the possibility of never competing at an elite level again.
The recovery process proved arduous, delaying Sterling’s return to active competition. During this period, a chorus of critics emerged, casting doubt on his future. Many speculated that the surgery marked the effective end of his career, or at the very least, that he would never regain his prior form. Even fellow fighter T.J. Dillashaw, a former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion, publicly voiced concerns, suggesting the neck surgery could be "the nail in the coffin" for Sterling.
However, Sterling defied expectations. His triumphant return culminated in a highly anticipated rematch against Petr Yan at UFC 273 in April 2022. Sterling, who had initially won the title from Yan via disqualification, delivered a dominant performance, securing a unanimous decision victory and solidifying his undisputed reign as the Bantamweight Champion. He went on to defend his title successfully against Dillashaw at UFC 280 in October 2022 and against Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 in May 2023, showcasing a level of performance that silenced his detractors. His ability to not only return but thrive after such a severe injury provides him with a unique perspective on McGregor’s current predicament.
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Conor McGregor’s latest injury occurred on June 29, 2024, at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, during the opening seconds of his highly anticipated Welterweight clash against former Featherweight Champion Max Holloway. The fight, which was billed as a monumental return for McGregor, saw him suffer a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee, forcing an immediate stoppage and handing Holloway a TKO victory. This setback follows a prolonged period of inactivity for McGregor, who had not competed since July 2021 when he suffered a devastating broken tibia and fibula in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion and one of the sport’s biggest stars, has faced a challenging few years marked by injuries and extended layoffs. His last victory dates back to January 2020 against Donald Cerrone. The highly anticipated return against Holloway, a rematch from their 2013 encounter, was seen as a critical juncture for McGregor to re-establish his standing in the sport. The fight itself generated immense media attention, with Holloway, a renowned striker, stepping up in weight class to face the Irish superstar. The abrupt end to the contest left both fans and pundits questioning McGregor’s future.
Sterling expressed a common sentiment among fighters and fans alike regarding McGregor’s return. "You always hope that people can come back," Sterling told MMA Fighting, courtesy of Ignition Poker. "I don’t want to say be better but at least come back and compete at a high level still. I think that’s what most of us wanted to see. Can Conor actually come back and can he come back and compete at a high level? He’s coming back to fight Max Holloway. That’s no easy return." Sterling emphasized the difficulty of the opponent chosen for McGregor’s comeback, highlighting Holloway’s elite status and formidable striking prowess.
McGregor has already confirmed that he will undergo surgery for his knee injury and remains resolute in his intention to fight again. However, Sterling’s concern extends beyond the physical recovery, touching upon the lifestyle choices that could impact McGregor’s ability to return to peak form. He alluded to McGregor’s well-documented penchant for lavish living and potential distractions, advising caution during the recovery period.
"I just think as long as he’s doing the right things," Sterling stated. "He doesn’t go back down the dark path and it’s OK to have fun but you can’t be doing that every single day, every other day and getting banged up like that. There’s going to be some diminishing returns but if he does the right thing, he’ll come back." This counsel stems from a broader awareness of McGregor’s past conduct, particularly during his recovery from the broken leg suffered in 2021.
Following his leg injury, McGregor temporarily withdrew from the UFC’s anti-doping program, a decision that sparked considerable controversy and speculation. A report from The New York Times, among other outlets, raised questions about the substances McGregor might have been using to aid his recovery, suggesting that leaving the testing pool allowed him to bypass scrutiny. Fighters who exit the anti-doping program, which was administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) until the end of 2023 and is now overseen by Drug Free Sport International (DFSI), are typically required to re-enter the testing pool for a minimum of six months before being cleared to compete again.
McGregor eventually returned to the testing pool in late 2023 and has since been tested extensively. Records indicate he has undergone numerous tests – reportedly 15 times in the first half of 2024 alone – with no adverse analytical findings reported. However, the use of certain banned substances, particularly anabolic steroids, can have long-term effects on a fighter’s body, potentially weakening ligaments and tendons. This concern was previously voiced by Sean Strickland, another prominent UFC fighter, and echoed by Sterling.
"I think the biggest thing for me is the testing pool," Sterling commented. "Because he before he came out of the testing pool and I think [Sean] Strickland touched on it, guys who typically do those type of things, they end up with ligaments that become easier to snap or tear." Sterling further expressed his curiosity about McGregor’s approach to recovery this time around: "I’m curious if he’s going to do it the organic way or if he’s going to come out of the testing pool. I do think he can come back and bounce back from this."
An ACL tear, as McGregor is widely believed to have sustained, typically requires a recovery period of at least a year, including surgery and extensive rehabilitation. While McGregor has not indicated any plans to withdraw from the testing pool again, the lengthy layoff presents another significant challenge to his career longevity and competitive aspirations.
Despite the complexities surrounding McGregor’s past decisions regarding the anti-doping program, Sterling conveyed a degree of understanding for athletes facing traumatic injuries. He suggested that there should be some form of leniency within the anti-doping framework for recovery purposes, emphasizing the importance of an athlete’s long-term health and quality of life.
"I do think there’s something to be said when an athlete or a fighter goes through a traumatic injury," Sterling articulated. "There should be some type of leniency with that. I think it should be under a certain protocol, I don’t know what the right way is but I think for anyone, you would want the best opportunity to get as healthy as you possibly can. We’re talking life after fighting, not just ‘I’m trying to make sure I can come back and compete.’ But quality of life."
Sterling drew upon his own experiences, noting, "Because I didn’t do certain things [I have less range of motion in my wrist]. It’s crazy. I’ve got to live with that for the rest of my life. If you’re telling me there’s a way to speed up my recovery and help those ligaments and tendons heal, yeah, I would do it. I would say screw the testing. It’s not like I’m doing stuff to get jacked up and taking HGH and stuff like that. I’m doing this for quality of life, not for an edge in competition." This nuanced perspective highlights the ethical dilemma faced by athletes: balancing the strict rules of anti-doping with the profound need for comprehensive and rapid recovery from severe injuries, especially when considering a career beyond competitive sport.
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