McGregor Wants Makhachev Fight At Welterweight
Conor McGregor wants to challenge UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev in a bid to become the first ever three-division champion.
McGregor is a two-weight champion, having won belts at featherweight and lightweight. McGregor, who has been sidelined since 2021, is looking to fight at the UFC White House card, with Michael Chandler being the likely opponent. However, a fight with Islam carries history, as Makhachev is under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor’s track record at 170 pounds is 2-1: A loss to Nate Diaz in his welterweight debut in 2016, followed by a majority decision victory in their 2016 rematch. A first-round stoppage win over Donald Cerrone in 2020 was Conor’s last win. McGregor was impressed by Makhachev’s win, as he was open to that fight.
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“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. … Good fight, be a good scrap. Southpaw vs. southpaw. It was a good performance out of him, and fair play, 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,” McGregor said
Will It Happen?
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The most significant roadblock is McGregor’s extended inactivity. McGregor has been sidelined since his leg injury in July 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Handing a title shot to a fighter who is 1-3 in their last four fights, has been inactive for years, and has a scheduled return fight against Michael Chandler would undermine the entire division. For McGregor to get an immediate shot, he would be jumping the queue over the likes of Shavkat Rakhmonov, Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Ilia Topuria.
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Furthermore, Makhachev has his list of contenders lining up to face him. Even if the UFC overlooked the other contenders, Makhachev has world-class grappling. This is the style that has historically been McGregor’s downfall, demonstrated in his 2018 loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor’s best chance is a quick knockout on the feet, but if Makhachev is able to weather the early storm, his constant pressure and takedowns would likely neutralize McGregor’s striking.
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