Islam Makhachev Weighs In on Conor McGregor's UFC Return and Holloway Matchup

Islam Makhachev has weighed in on Conor McGregor's anticipated return to the UFC, offering thoughts on the Irishman's comeback and sharing a prediction for a potential matchup between McGregor and Max Holloway.

Makhachev, currently 28-1-0 and the reigning welterweight champion, is ranked number one in the pound-for-pound standings at just 34 years old. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, described McGregor's return as something that benefits everyone involved in the sport. Makhachev has built his dominance on elite grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent.

McGregor, 37, carries a 22-6-0 record and remains one of the most recognizable names in combat sports. Fighting out of SBG Ireland, the southpaw holds a notable 74-inch reach — one of the longer frames in his weight class — and lands 5.32 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy.

Standing opposite in any hypothetical matchup would be Max Holloway, who sits fourth in the lightweight rankings and ninth pound-for-pound at 34 years of age. The Hawaiian orthodox striker from Gracie Technics is among the most prolific volume punchers in the sport, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy across a 27-9-0 career record.

Why it matters

• Makhachev's public comments add high-profile attention to McGregor's return narrative ahead of any official booking
• A McGregor versus Holloway matchup would carry significant lightweight division implications, with Holloway currently ranked fourth at 155 pounds
• The contrasting styles — Holloway's elite volume striking against McGregor's power and reach — make for a compelling stylistic discussion
• Any McGregor win or competitive showing could reshape the lightweight landscape Makhachev currently sits atop