Islam Makhachev (29-1) says he’s open to a boxing match with Conor McGregor (22-7) and wouldn’t need a big payday to make it happen, and with confidence he states could outlast McGregor past the early rounds.
“Yes maybe he’s dangerous in the first round, but after that I don’t think he has any chance. Honestly, regardless of the purse I’d box [Conor],” Makhachev
McGregor remains regarded as one of MMA’s better boxers, having gone the distance with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017, though he’s coming off a torn ACL and meniscus suffered against Max Holloway in his first fight in fight years at UFC 329 in July.
Makhachev has developed significantly as a striker during his run atop the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, and now wants to put his striking to the test against Conor in a fight that would be a major draw for fight fans.
Conor, now 38, is currently planning to fight in his last fight on his UFC contract in July 2027, and said he then plans to fight in bare-knuckle.