Islam Makhachev received a rare compliment from longtime adversary Conor McGregor on July 9, 2026, when the Irish star called the Russian welterweight’s record a “tremendous body of work” and placed him above Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier in the GOAT conversation.
Why did McGregor praise Makhachev now?
McGregor is gearing up for a bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, his first fight since a broken leg in 2021. In a Complex interview, he shifted from the usual trash‑talk to genuine respect, noting that “people around him are talking about retiring, but there’s a lot left in that boy.” The timing aligns with McGregor’s hinted interest in a future clash should Makhachev secure another win.
How does the praise fit the larger rivalry?
The feud between McGregor and the Dagestani camp dates back to the 2018 brawl with Khabib Nurmagomedov. While McGregor’s animosity toward Nurmagomedov remains, his remarks about Makhachev signal a nuanced view of the new generation. By ranking Makhachev above his legendary teammates, McGregor acknowledges the Russian’s rapid ascent since taking the lightweight title.
What’s next for Islam Makhachev?
Makhachev is slated to defend his welterweight crown against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15, 2026. A victory would set up a potential showdown with McGregor, who hinted he might chase the welterweight king after a second win over “Blessed.” The upcoming fight will test whether Makhachev can maintain his dominance while the spotlight intensifies.
How might this affect McGregor’s comeback?
McGregor’s confidence after a five‑year layoff hinges on a strong performance against Holloway. If he defeats the featherweight star, the door opens for a high‑profile clash with Makhachev, a fight that could eclipse the historic McGregor‑Nurmagomedov saga. The Irishman’s newfound respect could also sway fans, adding intrigue to a potential bout.
What does this mean for the UFC landscape?
Both fighters sit atop their divisions, and a McGregor‑Makhachev matchup would generate massive pay‑per‑view numbers. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s upcoming fight in Philadelphia will be a litmus test for his readiness to face a legend returning from injury. The UFC’s schedule now hinges on two pivotal outcomes: McGregor’s performance on July 11 and Makhachev’s defense on August 15.
How are other fighters reacting?
Max Holloway, McGregor’s opponent, sent a “classy message” to Michael Chandler after stepping in, showing the ripple effect of these match‑ups. Meanwhile, Ian Machado Garry, a rising star, will have the chance to dethrone the welterweight champion, adding another layer of drama to the upcoming cards.
Bottom line: McGregor’s unexpected endorsement of Islam Makhachev adds a fresh narrative thread to their intertwined histories and sets the stage for potentially historic fights later this summer.