Islam Makhachev has reacted to Conor McGregor’s UFC return. The Irishman returns to the octagon after 5 years and is going to run it back with Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11.

McGregor vs. Holloway 2 is a five-round welterweight clash.

Although McGregor has never been fond of the Nurmagomedov camp, tensions between him and Makhachev appear to be easing. Makhachev, after the UEFA Champions League Final, appeared in an interview in which he was asked to give his two cents on McGregor’s return bout. He said:

“It’s good. Big name for our sport. But he has a tough opponent. Max Holloway against Conor. I think Max can beat him.”

Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:

Islam Makhachev is going to be ready in August for title defense

During the same interview, Islam Makhachev added that after the UEFA Champions League final, he will be starting training camp right away and expects to enter the octagon in August. About who he’s potentially going to face, the Russian fighter said:

“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.”

Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:

Makhachev won the welterweight title, became a two-division champion, and regained the No. 1 pound-for-pound spot at UFC 322 in his 170-pound debut. However, he has yet to defend the belt.

Conor McGregor is coming for the “triple crown”

Last year, during an interview with Bloody Elbow, Conor McGregor lauded Islam Makhachev after the latter attained two-division glory. When asked if he would like to face the Dagestani wrestling maestro down the line, “The Notorious” said:

“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.”

Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.