UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has given his thoughts on a potential fight with former champ-champ, Conor McGregor.
Makhachev is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June, where McGregor will make his return to the Octagon against Michael Chandler a month later at UFC 303. If both men win their fights, the Russian said that he’d love to lock horns with the Irishman given the history between the two camps.
“Everybody can finish Conor 10 times,” Makhachev said on Pound 4 Pound with Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman. “I don’t think he will cut weight [for me]. Brother, why not? People have to be stupid to say no. Of course, I will fight with him.
“When will I fight next? October or November, I can fight August or September with McGregor. This guy not same. I don’t want to, like, make him look bad, but everybody know this guy not same. Before, yeah, for sure. When he was fighting with Khabib, he was in a good shape. He was a high-level fighter. But right now, too much alcohol, too much whiskey.”
McGregor’s 2018 title fight against Makhachev’s best friend Khabib Nurmagomedov remains unforgettable for numerous reasons; the heated buildup, the bout itself as well as the chaotic aftermath that led to numerous suspensions and fines.
Six years later, there’s little reason to believe that a fight between the now 35-year-old Dublin native and Khabib’s protege-turned-champion, Makhachev, would yield a different outcome. In fact, it might be even tougher for McGregor.
Nonetheless, Makhachev would likely jump at the chance to face MMA’s biggest megastar, seeing it as easy money.
Who do you think would win?
