TLDR
- Islam Makhachev says he would box Conor McGregor without needing a large payday
- Makhachev believes McGregor is only dangerous in the first round of a boxing match
- McGregor is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus suffered against Max Holloway in July
- Makhachev recently defended his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330
- Carlos Prates is likely next for a title shot, with Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov also in contention
Sources: yardbarker.com | sports.yahoo.com | heavy.com
UFC champion Islam Makhachev says he would fight Conor McGregor in a boxing match without needing a large payday. The lightweight and welterweight champion expressed confidence he could handle McGregor once the opening rounds are over.
“Yes maybe he’s dangerous in the first round, but after that I don’t think he has any chance,” Makhachev said. “Honestly, regardless of the purse I’d box [Conor].”
McGregor is still considered one of MMA’s better boxers after lasting 10 rounds with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017. The Irish fighter is currently recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus he suffered against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in July.
That fight marked McGregor’s first bout in several years. The 38-year-old is targeting July 2027 for the final fight on his UFC contract and has said he plans to move into bare-knuckle competition afterward.
😔🐎 Islam Makhachev says his favourite horse passed away while he was in camp for the Ian Garry fight
His brother knew, but chose not to tell Islam while he trained in America so he didn’t distract him from training:
“When I was training in America, it turned out that my horse… pic.twitter.com/zP60uKRthD
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 14, 2026
Makhachev Sees Major Fan Interest
Makhachev has developed considerably as a striker during his run atop the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. He sees a potential matchup with McGregor as something that would draw major fan interest.
The champion recently defended his welterweight title for the first time at UFC 330. He defeated Ian Machado Garry in that bout after previously competing at lightweight for his entire UFC career.
Makhachev is now looking ahead to his next title defense at 170 pounds. Carlos Prates appears to be the likely next challenger, though the UFC has not officially announced the matchup.
Top Welterweight Contenders Breakdown
Speaking to Ushatayka, Makhachev broke down the current state of the welterweight division. He placed several top contenders on the same level.
“Honestly, I put [Prates, Shavkat and Morales] all on the same level,” Makhachev said. “Prates has striking power he’s dangerous.”
He continued analyzing the division’s top fighters. “Morales himself is very big, and he’s dangerous both in wrestling and on the feet.”
Shavkat Rakhmonov also earned praise from the champion. “Shavkat as well, overall skill-wise he’s a very serious opponent,” Makhachev said.
Prates is coming off back-to-back knockout wins over former UFC welterweight champions. He recently defeated Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards, making him an exciting title challenger.
Morales is also considered deserving of a title shot. Rakhmonov remains undefeated but has been out for two years with injuries.
Makhachev was less impressed with former Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov. “Someone shut down his wrestling, and look what happened,” he said. “I don’t consider him a dangerous fighter at all.”
The champion had high praise for his most recent opponent. “I think one of the most dangerous and serious opponents was my last fight with Ian Garry,” Makhachev said. “And I think he’ll become champion after I’m done being champion.”
Makhachev is expected to fight next either later this year or at the beginning of 2027. The timing will likely be before the start of Ramadan.
