Islam Makhachev has weighed in on Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the octagon. McGregor is set to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11th, marking his first fight in five years. This welterweight showdown will be a five-round bout.
While past tensions between McGregor and the Nurmagomedov camp are well-known, Makhachev appears to have a more measured perspective. Speaking in an interview following the UEFA Champions League Final, Makhachev offered his opinion on McGregor’s comeback fight:
“It’s good. A big name for our sport. But he has a tough opponent. Max Holloway against Conor. I think Max can beat him.”
Makhachev also revealed his own timeline for returning to action. He stated that he will begin his training camp immediately after the Champions League Final and anticipates defending his title in August. When asked about potential opponents, Makhachev mentioned:
“Right after here, I am going to the camp. August, I will be ready. A lot of contenders, but number one is young Ian Garry. We still have a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give no one.”
Makhachev recently captured the welterweight title, becoming a two-division champion and reclaiming the top pound-for-pound spot at UFC 322 in his debut at 170 pounds. This will be his first title defense in the division.
Interestingly, Conor McGregor has previously expressed his desire to challenge for Makhachev’s welterweight belt. In an interview last year, McGregor stated his motivation for a “triple crown” and his interest in a potential fight with the Dagestani fighter:
“I’m motivated. I’m self-motivated, and I for sure want a crack at that belt. I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown… It would be a good fight [Me vs. Islam], a good scrap. Southpaw, southpaw. It was a good performance out of him, and fair play to him; he had the courage to do it, to go up. So yeah, I’m excited for it. Let’s see what happens. Let’s get back in the mix.”
English Translation:
Islam Makhachev has offered his perspective on Conor McGregor’s upcoming return to the UFC. McGregor is scheduled to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11th, marking his first appearance in the octagon after a five-year hiatus. This welterweight bout is slated for five rounds.
Despite historical animosity between McGregor and the Nurmagomedov camp, Makhachev’s sentiments towards McGregor seem to have softened. During an interview after the UEFA Champions League Final, Makhachev was asked for his thoughts on McGregor’s comeback fight, stating:
“It’s good. A big name for our sport. But he has a tough opponent. Max Holloway against Conor. I think Max can beat him.”
In the same interview, Islam Makhachev indicated that he would commence his training camp immediately following the UEFA Champions League final and anticipates being ready for a return to the octagon in August. Regarding potential opponents, the Russian fighter commented:
“Right after here, I am going to the camp. August, I will be ready. A lot of contenders, but number one is young Ian Garry. We still have a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give no one.”
Makhachev achieved welterweight championship status, becoming a two-division titleholder and regaining the number one pound-for-pound ranking at UFC 322 during his 170-pound debut. However, he has yet to defend this newly acquired belt.
Previously, in an interview with Bloody Elbow last year, Conor McGregor expressed admiration for Islam Makhachev after his achievement of winning titles in two weight classes. When questioned about the possibility of facing the Dagestani wrestling specialist in the future, “The Notorious” remarked:
“I’m motivated. I’m self-motivated, and I for sure want a crack at that belt. I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown… It would be a good fight [Me vs. Islam], a good scrap. Southpaw, southpaw. It was a good performance out of him, and fair play to him; he had the courage to do it, to go up. So yeah, I’m excited for it. Let’s see what happens. Let’s get back in the mix.”
