Makhachev Dismisses McGregor’s UFC Return – ‘He Is More In Clubs Than In Training’

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has dismissed the idea of Conor McGregor ever fighting in the UFC again. McGregor left his fan base with a degree of frustration after he withdrew from UFC 303, which was set for June 29 against Michael Chandler . The Irishman pulled out with a broken toe, meaning his last UFC fight extends back to 2021.

That was when Dustin Poirier stopped him at UFC 264. He suffered a broken leg, and it was the third time that McGregor had lost out of his last four UFC fights, raising serious question marks over whether he would fight again. Dana White has reassured fans that McGregor will fight early next year, provided that there are no further injury setbacks.



But Chandler appears to have moved on, at least for now. He will have a rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. Chandler is targeting a potential lightweight title shot as a win against the former champion will go some way.

Makhachev Reacts Chandler is 38 years old and at the latter end of his career. He has been waiting for the McGregor fight since their days as rival coaches on the TUF 31 series. But a defeat against Oliveira may reduce the enthusiasm to make the McGregor fight.

McGregor has two fights left on his UFC deal, and at the age of 35, it is vital he makes the correct move. He has spoken about his desire to fight in BKFC, the organization where he is a part owner. Makhachev was asked about McGregor’s prospects of fighting again, something which he ruled out.

“[Conor’s return] is already a fantasy. He tries to stay afloat with his language. He is more in clubs than in training,” Makhachev said Islam also suffered an injury setback.

He is coming off a win against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. He secured a fifth-round submission win to retain his UFC Lightweight Title. Islam was expected to defend the belt against Arman Tsarukyan in October.

However, Makhachev revealed that he suffered an injury that would keep him out for some time. Reports indicated that he could fight at UFC 310 in December. Since McGregor will fight early next year, and Chandler is already booked in November, that does free up space.

Islam’s Return Alternatively, Islam may return early next year, as the focus is on facing Arman in a rematch of their 2019 clash. Islam won that fight via a unanimous decision. After he beat Poirier, Islam indicated that he may want to move up to welterweight to face Leon Edwards .

Edwards was the welterweight champion at the time. Since then, Edwards has lost his belt against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. Since Makhachev and Belal are close friends, Islam has distanced himself from taking that fight.

While he has expressed his desire to move up to another weight class to secure a title, his primary focus is on facing Arman and defending his belt. This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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