UFC 329 fight grades: Why McGregor's injury didn't drag down the card

Key Points:

• Conor McGregor's return at UFC 329 ended abruptly due to a leg injury seconds into his fight against Max Holloway, overshadowing the event but not diminishing the overall quality of the card.
• Paddy Pimblett impressed with a first-round submission victory over Benoît Saint Denis, showcasing elite grappling skills and solidifying his rising star status in the lightweight division.
• Brandon Royval and Lone'er Kavanagh delivered an exciting flyweight bout, with Royval overcoming adversity to secure a third-round submission win in a back-and-forth contest.
• Other notable performances included Gable Steveson's successful UFC debut with a first-round TKO, Robert Whittaker's strong light heavyweight debut, and King Green's dramatic first-round TKO victory over Terrance McKinney.
• Despite McGregor's injury, UFC 329 received an overall grade of B from ESPN, highlighting it as one of the better fight cards of the year with several standout bouts and finishes.