Islam Makhachev shared his thoughts on Conor McGregor's return to the UFC and selected a winner in a potential matchup between McGregor and Max Holloway.
Islam Makhachev has weighed in on Conor McGregor's anticipated return to the UFC, also offering his pick on how a potential bout between McGregor and Max Holloway would play out.
Makhachev, 34, is currently the welterweight champion and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings with a record of 28-1. The Russian southpaw, representing Eagles MMA, has built his dominance around elite grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Holloway, 34, enters the conversation as the number-four ranked lightweight and the ninth-ranked fighter pound-for-pound. The Hawaiian carries a 27-9 record and remains one of the most prolific volume strikers in the sport, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He fights out of Gracie Technics and holds an orthodox stance with a 69-inch reach.
McGregor, 37, is looking to make his return to the octagon representing SBG Ireland. "The Notorious" holds a career record of 22-6 and brings a notably long 74-inch reach for his five-foot-nine frame. The southpaw from Ireland averages 5.32 significant strikes per minute and has long been regarded as one of the sport's most dangerous left-hand finishers.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's comments draw the reigning pound-for-pound king into the McGregor return narrative, raising the profile of the storyline.
- Holloway's current lightweight ranking means any high-profile matchup at 155 pounds carries legitimate divisional stakes.
- A McGregor versus Holloway fight would pit two of the most recognized strikers in the sport against each other, with contrasting styles in volume and power.
