Conor McGregor doesn’t have the identical hatred for Islam Makhachev that he does for Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The Irishman’s feud with ‘The Eagle’ was amongst probably the most bitter in UFC history, culminating in a wild brawl after their fight in 2018.
Since Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor at UFC 229 and subsequently attacked his corner, the pair have continued to exchange words via interviews and on social media.
That trend has continued ahead of McGregor’s comeback this Saturday, but ‘The Notorious’ had a much different approach to discussing his longtime rival’s friend and protege.
Do you’re thinking that Conor McGregor would have any likelihood against Islam Makhachev? 🤨
Conor McGregor lauds Islam Makhachev’s UFC rise despite his history with the Dagestani team
McGregor will fight Max Holloway at UFC 329, marking the Dublin native’s first fight since he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier five years ago.
The most important event on July 11 will happen at welterweight, and McGregor has hinted at chasing Makhachev should he add a second win over ‘Blessed’ to his record.
Many would little question expect the type of heated and controversial build-up that preceded the Irishman’s clash with Nurmagomedov.
But after what the previous two-division champ recently needed to say concerning the current welterweight king, that might not be the case in spite of everything.
“Tremendous body of labor in each divisions, needless to say he’s (within the GOAT debate),” McGregor said of Makhachev during a recent interview with Complex.
“People around him are talking to him about (retiring), but there’s so much left in that boy, and he should recognize that and keep going.
“I even have him above each of his teammates (Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier).”
It’s protected to say that not many expect McGregor to beat Holloway before happening to challenge the welterweight champ, who’s fast approaching his first title defense at 170 kilos.
Makhachev will fight Ian Machado Garry within the most important event of the subsequent numbered card, UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15.
After Saturday’s event, McGregor can have one fight remaining on his current UFC deal. Based on the Irishman, that’s already set for April 2027.
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