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Conor McGregor Says He’s ‘Beyond Dark’ After Suspected Torn ACL Ends UFC 329 Comeback in 69 Seconds

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Sophie Cunningham

Conor McGregor broke his silence Sunday after his long-awaited UFC comeback ended in devastating fashion at UFC 329, denying he entered his fight against Max Holloway with any pre-existing injury and describing the aftermath of a suspected torn ACL as “hell.”

McGregor’s return to the octagon, his first fight in five years, lasted just 69 seconds. The 37-year-old Irishman opened the bout by rushing across the mat and throwing a jumping switch kick, missing his target before attempting another kick and landing awkwardly on his right knee. He briefly tried to fight through the injury as Holloway pressed the attack, but referee Mike Beltran stopped the contest at 1 minute, 9 seconds into the first round after Holloway landed a series of unanswered strikes on a visibly compromised McGregor. Holloway was awarded the win by TKO. A visibly distraught McGregor was consoled by ring announcer Bruce Buffer before leaving the cage and exiting T-Mobile Arena, declining the use of crutches.

UFC doctors suspected McGregor had suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, though an MRI was still needed to confirm the diagnosis. UFC President and CEO Dana White said he shared that suspicion when speaking to reporters at the event’s post-fight news conference. “We’re assuming blown ACL. I’m not a doctor, but that’s what I figured when I saw it, and doctors think the same thing too,” White said.

McGregor did not speak with media following the fight but issued a statement on social media hours later, firmly denying speculation that had emerged suggesting he may have entered the bout already carrying an injury. “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed,” McGregor wrote. “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.”

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McGregor continued in a follow-up post, pushing back further against the narrative that had circulated online. “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 what has taken place.” He closed the statement with a promise to return. “The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow. I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return.”

The speculation McGregor was responding to stemmed from broadcast footage that appeared to show him taking an awkward step and limping slightly while removing his shoe during his pre-fight preparation point check. McGregor’s camp echoed his denial, telling reporters they had been “super careful” heading into the bout and that McGregor was “100 percent” healthy beforehand, with “not a bump, not a bruise.”

White also directly rejected the theory that McGregor had entered the fight already injured, pointing to the massive online attention surrounding McGregor’s pre-fight face-off with Holloway as evidence any existing issue would likely have been noticed. “Just on my accounts, the face off is at 80 million views, right? So, if there was a preexisting injury, somebody would have noticed it. If he was limping, put his shoes on, he ran right at him,” White said. “I don’t think there was. Anything is possible, but he sure didn’t look like it.” White separately acknowledged the physical toll of McGregor’s extended layoff heading into the fight. “Everybody who knows anything about the fight business, it’s been a big topic of discussion leading up to this fight: Five years off in this sport is rough,” White said. “Great card. Unbelievable. The Paddy Pimblett thing right before. You just feel it all in the air. Here we go. I was expecting at least a one-round war. Who knew what Conor was capable of as far as cardio or whatever else after a five-year layoff? Well, there you go.”

Holloway, who improved his record with the win and was making his official welterweight debut, expressed sympathy for McGregor following the fight rather than triumph. “Right now, I’m just praying for the guy,” Holloway said. He described urging the referee to stop the contest once it became clear McGregor could not continue effectively. “All jokes aside, as a human being… even when I was in there, you could see me telling the ref, ‘Bro, this guy is done, just let it go.’” Holloway said the referee later thanked him for pushing for the stoppage. “The referee was telling me, ‘Bro, thank you for pushing me, because it was a hard spot. He had a hard feeling.’” Holloway also recounted McGregor’s own insistence on continuing despite the injury. “And Conor’s crazy. Conor’s like, ‘Fight! Fight!’ I’m like, ‘You’re f—— crazy.’”

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Saturday’s result marked McGregor’s second consecutive loss and came in a fight that broke the UFC’s record for highest-grossing live gate, according to figures cited by White ahead of the event. It was McGregor’s first appearance in the octagon since suffering a severe leg break in his 2021 trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. His comeback had been delayed multiple times in the years since, including a planned June 2024 fight against Michael Chandler that McGregor withdrew from due to a broken pinky toe. Later that year, McGregor was also found liable in a civil case for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand, adding further complications to his path back to competition.

Notably, Saturday’s knee injury occurred in McGregor’s right leg, a different joint from the left ACL he tore in his original 2013 bout against Holloway, an injury he had surgically repaired and returned from within 11 months at the time.

As of this weekend, McGregor had not provided a specific recovery timeline beyond his vow to return, and the extent of the injury remained pending formal confirmation through imaging. The setback leaves McGregor’s UFC future uncertain once again, just as his long-anticipated comeback appeared poised to headline International Fight Week with one of the promotion’s most closely watched matchups in recent memory.

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We Love To Hate Trimmed-Mean Inflation – Canada’s Tale About Introducing New Core Measures

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We Love To Hate Trimmed-Mean Inflation - Canada’s Tale About Introducing New Core Measures

close up high angle Asian businesswoman working with her coworker in meeting room

Edwin Tan /E+ via Getty Images

Trimmed-mean inflation measure and its sibling median inflation gauge have both gotten unprecedented attention in recent months. It is all owing to new Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh.

In his Senate Banking Committee

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WA truckers, farmers raise concern over proposed trailer safety device

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WA truckers, farmers raise concern over proposed trailer safety device

WA’s trucking and agricultural sectors argue the proposed mandating of a new safety device is misguided, instead calling for better driver training and design regulations.

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BHP leads Australian shares higher as retail sells off

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BHP leads Australian shares higher as retail sells off

Australia’s share market has pared early gains for a modest advance, despite BHP counterbalancing an underwhelming day for the bourse.

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Air France-KLM: A Stronger Q2 Is Not Enough To Change The Equity Story

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Air France-KLM: A Stronger Q2 Is Not Enough To Change The Equity Story

Air France-KLM: A Stronger Q2 Is Not Enough To Change The Equity Story

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Melco Resorts & Entertainment: The Worst Is Behind Us

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Melco Resorts & Entertainment: The Worst Is Behind Us

Melco Resorts & Entertainment: The Worst Is Behind Us

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Groww shares gain 8% on strong Q1 earnings, net profit jumps 94% to Rs 735 crore

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Groww shares gain 8% on strong Q1 earnings, net profit jumps 94% to Rs 735 crore
Shares of Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of broking platform Groww, surged nearly 8% to an intraday high of Rs 219 on the BSE after the company reported strong Q1 FY27 earnings. The company posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 735 crore for the quarter, up 94.44% from Rs 378 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

EBITDA for the quarter under review came in at Rs 971 crore, up 101% from Rs 483 crore in the year ago period. Sequentially, the increase was relatively modest, up 3% from Rs Rs 939 crore, Groww’s investor presentation showed.

Also Read | Landmark Cars shares rally upto 13% post Q1 business update, revenue jumps over 22%

Groww’s revenue from operations also witnessed a sharp uptick, rising 66% to Rs 1,504 crore from Rs 904 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Net profit for the quarter grew by 7% to Rs 735 crore from Rs 686 crore last year.

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The company said that the consolidated total income grew 63.3% year-on-year in the June quarter, driven by continued traction in newer products such as MTF and commodity derivatives.


In the stock broking business, the company said that risk control measures led to its retail ADTO market share easing sequentially to 15.1%, although it remained 3.3 percentage points higher year-on-year. In commodity derivatives, it expanded its retail market share to 28.6% in notional ADTO across MCX and NSE.
In mutual funds, it retained its position as India’s largest distribution platform for direct mutual funds, with Rs 1.9 lakh crore in direct mutual fund assets under management (AUM). SIP inflows grew 32% year-on-year, outpacing the industry’s 16% growth.The company said it remains focused on leveraging AI across the organisation and now offers an AI-powered mutual fund advisory product ‘MF Prime’, for users who want additional guidance to manage their MF portfolio.

The company added that while it plans to make significant investments in AI, it does not expect these investments to have a material impact on its margins given its scale.

The company said it strengthened its market leadership across key segments during the June quarter by adding 115,000 net clients, supported by higher customer retention and improved product quality despite an industry-wide slowdown.

Also Read | Bitcoin climbs to $64,700 as softer US inflation eases US Fed rate hike concerns

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At present, the company has 4,35,000 commodity derivatives active users on Groww platform which is up 10.7% on QoQ basis, implying an attach rate of 2.6% in overall active users.

In the current calendar year so far, the stock went up 36.11% and in the last six months, it gained 28.74%.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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Indonesia stocks higher at close of trade; IDX Composite Index up 0.12%

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Indonesia stocks higher at close of trade; IDX Composite Index up 0.12%

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Talented Stars Driving Global Interest in the Women’s Game

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Alisha Lehmann

Women’s soccer continues its rapid rise in popularity in 2026, with players blending exceptional on-field talent, leadership and growing public profiles that draw fans across continents. As leagues like the NWSL and Europe’s top divisions expand media deals and attendance, several athletes stand out for their performances and ability to connect with audiences beyond the pitch.

Discussions around prominent figures often highlight a mix of established stars and emerging talents whose skills, marketability and social media presence amplify the sport’s appeal. Rankings that focus on popularity remain subjective, reflecting fan engagement, endorsements and cultural impact alongside athletic achievements. No major senior international tournament anchors the calendar this year, shifting attention to club campaigns and individual honors such as the Ballon d’Or Féminin race.

Barcelona continues to dominate conversations, while NWSL clubs secure record contracts that underscore the league’s growing stature. Here are 10 players frequently cited in conversations about the sport’s most visible and influential figures this season.

Alisha Lehmann of Aston Villa and the Switzerland national team tops many fan-driven lists for her dynamic playing style and substantial online following. The forward has built a global audience through skillful dribbling and energetic presence, amassing millions of social media followers and securing brand partnerships. Her profile illustrates how on-pitch flair combined with off-field visibility helps grow interest in women’s soccer.

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Alexia Putellas remains a central figure at Barcelona after overcoming earlier injury challenges. The Spanish midfielder and two-time Ballon d’Or winner posted strong numbers in the 2025/26 campaign, contributing goals and assists while helping her club secure major domestic and European titles. Putellas’ return to elite form has positioned her as a leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin, with observers noting her leadership and technical quality.

Aitana Bonmatí, also of Barcelona and Spain, enters the year as a three-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner despite an injury-disrupted 2025/26 season. The midfielder’s vision, work rate and consistency have set benchmarks in recent years. Her representatives have highlighted the connection between performance and market value. “Aitana is the highest-paid female footballer in the world and has the best contract in history because she is the best female footballer in the world, and that has a lot to do with her performance and contribution on the pitch,” said Cristian Martin, CEO of WOM Sports Management, in comments reported earlier this year.

Claudia Pina has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most clinical forwards during the 2025/26 season. The Spanish attacker recorded high goal tallies and assists, drawing attention for her finishing ability and role in the team’s success across competitions. Her rapid development has made her a focal point in discussions about the next generation of stars.

Ewa Pajor continues to deliver prolific scoring form at Barcelona. The Polish forward’s goal output in league and European play has kept her among the most dangerous attackers in women’s soccer. Pajor’s consistency helps drive Barcelona’s attacking identity and contributes to the club’s sustained dominance.

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Khadija Shaw of Manchester City and Jamaica maintains her reputation as a reliable goal threat. The forward’s performances in the Women’s Super League and on the international stage have earned consistent recognition. Shaw’s blend of power and finishing ability makes her a key reference point when assessing top strikers.

Alessia Russo has become a central figure at Arsenal and for the England national team. The forward’s contributions in the Women’s Super League and UEFA competitions, including important goals in high-stakes matches, have elevated her profile. Russo’s movement and finishing add a clinical edge to Arsenal’s attack.

Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit and the United States national team represents the NWSL’s rising commercial appeal. The forward secured a significant new contract reflecting the league’s progress in player compensation. Rodman’s speed, creativity and visibility have helped position her among the most recognizable young talents in the game.

Sophia Smith remains a cornerstone of the U.S. women’s national team attack. The forward’s pace and goal-scoring threat have been central to club and country performances. Her profile benefits from the broader spotlight on American players in a league that continues to attract investment and attention.

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Caroline Graham Hansen of Barcelona and Norway adds width and creativity from the flanks. The winger’s dribbling, crossing and goal contributions have been vital to Barcelona’s success. Hansen’s technical quality and experience make her a consistent presence in conversations about elite European players.

These athletes reflect broader trends in 2026. Record transfers and contracts in the NWSL, including deals for players like Catarina Macario, signal increasing professionalization. Barcelona’s continued success across fronts keeps Spanish players prominent in individual award discussions. Social media engagement amplifies reach, allowing fans worldwide to follow careers in real time and turning matches into shared cultural moments.

The absence of a major tournament this summer has focused attention on domestic leagues and the ongoing Ballon d’Or Féminin campaign, scheduled for October. Voters weigh club performances heavily in a year without Euros or World Cup action. Barcelona’s quartet of Putellas, Bonmatí, Pina and Pajor features prominently in early speculation.

Growth metrics tell a positive story. Attendance figures in top leagues have risen steadily, supported by better broadcasting and marketing. Players with strong personal brands help attract casual viewers who then discover the quality of play. Endorsements and media appearances further embed women’s soccer in mainstream culture.

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Challenges remain, including fixture congestion, injury management and the need for continued investment in grassroots development. Yet the visibility of these athletes contributes to momentum. Young fans see role models who combine elite performance with approachability through digital platforms.

As the 2026 club season progresses toward its conclusion and the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, attention will stay on how these players and their peers shape the next chapter. Their stories—marked by resilience, skill and expanding influence—illustrate why women’s soccer commands growing audiences and why individual profiles matter as much as team results.

The sport’s trajectory depends on sustained excellence on the pitch paired with smart off-field engagement. Players who excel in both areas help ensure the gains of recent years continue. In 2026, that combination appears stronger than ever across multiple leagues and national teams.

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Farnborough Airshow 2026 Finance Summit draws 600 investors

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Farnborough Airshow 2026 Finance Summit draws 600 investors

More than 600 senior investors from around 350 firms, including Goldman Sachs, Blackstone and the Qatar Investment Authority, will descend on Hampshire this month for a new Finance Summit at the Farnborough International Airshow, and for once the guest list is not reserved for the primes.

The Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit, launching at this year’s show, is designed to connect global capital with opportunities across aerospace, defence, space, cyber and enabling technologies, from the industry’s biggest names down to emerging start-ups.

For UK founders and scale-ups in the sector, that matters. The programme puts sovereign wealth funds, private equity houses, venture capital firms, hedge funds and M&A specialists in the same halls as the businesses hunting for growth capital, at a show where the 2024 edition generated at least £13 billion in deals for the UK.

Senior representatives are expected from Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Citigroup, Barclays, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, UBS, Blackstone, Carlyle, Warburg Pincus, Mubadala, the Qatar Investment Authority, Temasek International and Tikehau Capital, among others.

British institutions are on the list too, including the British Business Bank, the London Stock Exchange and UK Export Finance, the government’s export credit agency, a signal that the summit is as much about backing domestic suppliers as courting overseas money.

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Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Finance and investment have always been underlying themes of the airshow, but we wanted to give it emphasis to support the industry as it accelerates. The launch of the Finance Summit is our response to the growing demand from investors seeking direct access to high-quality market insight, business development opportunities and emerging innovation across aerospace, defence and space.”

The timing is hard to fault. UK aerospace, defence, security and space industries contribute more than £42 billion a year to the economy, according to ADS Group figures, and ministers have been working to pull smaller defence suppliers deeper into the MoD’s supply chain through a dedicated growth unit. Capital, in short, is looking for a home in exactly the sectors where British SMEs are strongest.

Attendees have identified the conference programme, market trends, new business partnerships, existing partner engagement and visibility of new projects as their key reasons for coming, according to the organisers.

The summit will run keynote sessions, panel discussions, roundtables and dedicated networking as part of the wider Aerospace Global Forum, with the stated aim of connecting investors, banks and consultancies with organisations ranging from global primes to emerging start-ups.

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For a smaller business, the calculation is straightforward. Investor meetings of this calibre usually mean a trip to Mayfair or Manhattan and a warm introduction. For one week this summer, the capital comes to Farnborough instead, at what organisers expect to be the biggest show in the event’s history.


Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

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At Close of Business podcast July 15 2026

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At Close of Business podcast July 15 2026

Sam Jones and Isabel Vieira discuss the bi-annual corporate finance feature.

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