Islam Makhachev predicts Max Holloway beats Conor McGregor

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev believes Conor McGregor's return would benefit mixed martial arts but doubts the Irishman could beat Max Holloway in a potential comeback bout.

Makhachev, who defends his 155-pound title later this year, told TNT Sports that while McGregor coming back "is good for the sport," he's backing Holloway to defeat him, per Sherdog. The comment adds to speculation about who McGregor might face when he finally steps back into the octagon after more than three years away.

McGregor's Path Back to the Octagon

McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. The former two-division champion has teased multiple comeback dates but remains without a scheduled opponent.

Holloway, the former featherweight king, is coming off back-to-back wins and recently moved up to lightweight. A showdown with McGregor would mark a rematch of their 2013 featherweight bout, which McGregor won by decision early in both men's UFC careers.

Makhachev faces his own challenges at lightweight, with top contenders lining up for a title shot. His take on McGregor's return reflects the broader opinion among active fighters that the Irishman's star power still moves the needle even as questions linger about his competitive form.

Source: sherdog.com