Islam Makhachev praised Conor McGregor's return to MMA, calling him a big name who is good for the sport. Makhachev noted that McGregor has a tough opponent ahead of him.
Islam Makhachev has offered a warm reception to Conor McGregor's impending return to mixed martial arts, describing the Irishman as a major name whose presence benefits the sport as a whole. The reigning welterweight champion also acknowledged that McGregor faces a difficult challenge in whoever awaits him.
Makhachev, 34, enters this conversation as one of the sport's most dominant figures. The Russian southpaw holds a 28-1 record and currently sits atop both the welterweight division and the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of Eagles MMA, Makhachev is a precision-based grappler who lands 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and converts at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, posting 2.63 significant strikes per minute. His submission threat is a constant presence, averaging 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes.
McGregor, now 37, returns carrying a 22-6 record and the kind of star power that still shifts the needle across the sport. Known as "The Notorious," the SBG Ireland product stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach — a notably long frame for his size — and has historically been one of MMA's most prolific volume strikers, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute. His return has generated significant attention, and Makhachev's comments reflect the broader sense within the sport that McGregor's name alone elevates any card he appears on.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's endorsement signals that McGregor's comeback is being taken seriously at the sport's highest level
- McGregor's opponent has not been officially named, but Makhachev noted the matchup will be a tough test
- As pound-for-pound number one, Makhachev's perspective carries weight when assessing divisional and cross-promotional storylines
- McGregor's return could reshape the welterweight and lightweight landscapes depending on his comeback opponent and result
