Islam Makhachev Wants The Conor McGregor Fight – ‘August Or September’

Islam Makhachev, the UFC Lightweight Champion, has welcomed a fight with Conor McGregor. 

Makhachev is preparing to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1. This will be the third defense of his title, which he won against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in 2022. He is coming off back-to-back wins against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 and 294. As for McGregor, he made his long return from injury when he faced Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29.

It will be the first time McGregor has fought since breaking his leg to Poirier in his loss in 2021. McGregor has already faced Makhachev’s mentor and former fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov, at UFC 229 in 2018. The Irishman lost via a fourth-round submission. McGregor never got the rematch, but facing Makhachev could be the next big thing.

McGregor will fight Chandler at 170 pounds. Islam has previously suggested he could move up after he was linked with a bout against UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards at UFC 300. Talks never led to the fight. But If Islam gets past Poirier, he is open to facing McGregor. 

Makhachev On McGregor

“[Dustin Poirier] finished Conor twice, brother, everybody can finish Conor 10 times. Why not? People have to be stupid to say no. Of course I will fight him. I’ll fight next in October or November, [or] I can fight August or September with McGregor,” Islam said

Islam also revealed that Khabib’s love for MMA did not stop. He retired from MMA in 2020 after beating Justin Gaethje. This was following the passing of his father. The Russian had made a promise to his mother, saying he would not fight again. 

“Today, I want to say, it was my last fight and [there’s] no way I’m gonna come here without my father [Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov]… After what happened with my father, when UFC called me about Justin [Gaethje], I talk with my mother [for] three days. She don’t know how I go fight without father but I promise her, it’s gonna be my last fight and if I give my word, I have to follow this,” Nurmagomedov said

Makhachev On Khabib

He retired at his peak with a 29-0 record. Dana White is on record saying that Khabib’s retirement was the one that was hard to take since the Russian had more to give. While the McGregor rematch would have been bigger, Khabib chose not to return. But that did not stop him from missing the sport, as Islam outlined. 

“I think he’s happy, but he misses fighting, fight camp, the fight game. That’s why he joins us everywhere. He loves to train, everyday he trains. Not just when he’s with us, everyday this guy’s training…He has a house in the village, a house in the city. Each house has a sauna, swimming pool, everything,” Makhachev stated

But if Islam faces McGregor, Khabib may have an input in that preparation. He fought McGregor, which taught him how to defeat the Irishman. But before that is considered, Islam and McGregor must win their next fights.