Credit: Cooper Neill/Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev would entertain a crossover boxing match with one man: Conor McGregor.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor’s careers were linked forever when McGregor lost to Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, at UFC 229. Makhachev was a rising lightweight prospect at the time of the fight and was in Nurmagomedov’s corner as he tapped out McGregor in their heated grudge match.

Fast forward to 2026, Makhachev and McGregor have repeatedly teased a future fight for months. Makhachev recently hinted at potentially fighting in Zuffa Boxing once his UFC career concludes, after an appearance at one of the promotion’s first events.

Despite their checkered pasts, Makhachev and McGregor don’t share nearly the animosity that McGregor shares with Nurmagomedov. But that hasn’t stopped Makhachev from entertaining the possibility of clashing with McGregor in a crossover super fight.

Islam Makhachev: Conor McGregor only ‘dangerous in Round 1’ in Boxing

In a recent interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev was asked about a potential boxing match against McGregor.

“Well, if I say he’s not dangerous at all, that would be wrong,” Makhachev said of McGregor.

“He’s dangerous, yes, in the first round. But after that, I don’t think he has much of a chance. When it comes to boxing, they pay very good money. I don’t know [how much I want].

“Honestly, regardless of money, I’d box specifically against Conor.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

As of this writing, McGregor hasn’t responded to Makhachev’s comments. His UFC 329 comeback earlier this year was cut short just seconds into the fight, as he suffered a serious right leg injury.

Despite back-to-back fights that ended in serious injury, McGregor still envisions a return to combat sports in 2027. Don’t be surprised if Makhachev is one of the potential opponents brought up by McGregor and his team.

How would an Islam Makhachev vs. Conor McGregor boxing match play out? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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