Islam Makhachev has commented on Conor McGregor's return to the UFC, stating the comeback is beneficial for everyone involved. Makhachev also offered his prediction on a potential matchup between McGregor and Max Holloway.
Islam Makhachev has weighed in on Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the UFC, saying the Irishman's comeback is good for the sport and everyone involved. The welterweight champion also shared his thoughts on how a potential fight between McGregor and Max Holloway might play out.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings as welterweight champion, fighting out of Eagles MMA. The Russian southpaw is one of the most complete fighters in the world today, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes, a mark that ranks among the elite in the sport.
McGregor, 37, returns with a 22-6-0 record and brings significant star power back to the promotion. The Notorious fights out of SBG Ireland as a southpaw and stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach. He averages 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute with 49 percent accuracy, numbers that reflect his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers the UFC has produced.
Standing across from him in any hypothetical matchup would be Max Holloway, who enters the conversation as the fourth-ranked lightweight and ninth on the pound-for-pound list. Blessed carries a 27-9-0 record at 34 years old and fights out of Gracie Technics. The Hawaiian orthodox striker is one of the highest-volume fighters on the roster, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's endorsement of McGregor's return signals broader roster excitement around the comeback
- A McGregor vs. Holloway matchup would pit two high-output strikers against each other with significant divisional buzz attached
- Holloway's current ranking at lightweight means a high-profile fight carries genuine ranking implications for the 155-pound division
