Michael Chandler explains Conor McGregor's kick that caused UFC 329 knee injury

Michael Chandler has spoken publicly about the kick thrown by Conor McGregor that left him with a knee injury during their fight at UFC 329 on July 11, breaking down exactly how the damaging sequence unfolded.

Chandler, 40, entered the bout carrying a 23-11-0 record and representing Kill Cliff FC. The Missouri native stands five-foot-eight with a 71-inch reach and has long been one of the most explosive fighters in the lightweight division, averaging over four significant strikes landed per minute across his career. He has also shown consistent wrestling output, averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat at 155 pounds.

McGregor, 38, came in at 22-7-0 fighting out of SBG Ireland. The southpaw Dubliner stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and remains one of the most prolific strikers ever to compete in the UFC, posting 5.27 significant strikes landed per minute — a volume that reflects the constant output he brings to any fight. His unorthodox angles and left-hand precision have defined his style throughout his career.

In the post-fight period, Chandler offered his account of the moment, explaining the specific mechanics of McGregor's kick and the sequence of positioning that caused the injury to his knee. While Chandler did not dispute that the strike came within the flow of the fight, his breakdown shed light on why the impact landed in a particularly damaging way.

Why it matters

• A knee injury to Chandler raises immediate questions about his recovery timeline and future availability in the lightweight division
• Both fighters carry significant name value, meaning any injury development will shape the matchmaking picture at 155 pounds
• McGregor's unorthodox southpaw striking, averaging 5.27 significant strikes per minute, presents targeting challenges that Chandler's explanation helps illustrate