TLDR
- Conor McGregor ranks Islam Makhachev as the seventh greatest fighter ever, above Khabib Nurmagomedov at ninth
- McGregor cites Makhachev’s finishing ability, body of work, and success in two divisions as reasons for the ranking
- Makhachev is on a 16-fight UFC win streak and holds the lightweight and welterweight championships
- McGregor has expressed interest in fighting Makhachev for the 170-pound belt to achieve the triple crown
- McGregor returns to action this weekend at UFC 329 against Max Holloway after a five-year layoff
Sources: lowkickmma.com
Conor McGregor has praised Islam Makhachev and placed him above Khabib Nurmagomedov in the all-time greatest fighters conversation. The Irish fighter shared his views during a recent interview with Complex.
McGregor ranked Makhachev higher than both Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier on his personal GOAT list. He listed Makhachev as the seventh greatest fighter of all time, while Khabib came in at ninth.
“He’s above Khabib. Finishes, body of work, both divisions. For sure he is,” McGregor said. “Still at it… There’s a lot left in that boy, and he should recognize that and keep going.”
Makhachev currently holds the UFC lightweight championship and recently won the welterweight belt at 170 pounds. The Dagestani fighter is scheduled to defend his 170-pound title against Ian Machado Garry next month at UFC 330.
🫡 Conor Mcgregor PRAISES Islam Makhachev, says 'there's a lot left' in him:
"Body of work, finishes. I rank him above Khabib and DC. People around him are talking about [retirement], but there's a lot left in that boy."
🎥 @Complex pic.twitter.com/pdqALhSLsC
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 8, 2026
Makhachev’s Impressive Record
The two-division champion has compiled an impressive resume in the UFC. Makhachev is currently on a 16-fight winning streak in the promotion.
He holds the record for most title defenses in UFC lightweight history. In six title bouts, Makhachev has secured four finishes.
McGregor explained his reasoning for ranking Makhachev above his longtime rival Khabib. He cited Makhachev’s finishing ability, overall body of work, and success in two weight divisions as key factors.
The Irishman urged Makhachev to continue fighting and not retire early. “There’s a lot left in that boy, and he should recognize that and keep going,” McGregor stated.
McGregor returns to the octagon this weekend to headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway. The fight marks his first appearance after a five-year layoff.
Potential Future Matchup
McGregor has previously expressed interest in fighting Makhachev. He told Bloody Elbow that he wants a chance at the 170-pound belt to achieve the “triple crown.”
“I’m self-motivated and I for sure want a crack at that belt. I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown,” McGregor said. “It would be a good fight, a good scrap. Southpaw vs southpaw.”
Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez has also expressed interest in the potential superfight. If both fighters win their upcoming bouts, the matchup could become a reality.
During the Complex interview, McGregor revealed his complete GOAT list. He placed himself at number one, followed by Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Demetrious Johnson, and Valentina Shevchenko in the top five.
Amanda Nunes came in sixth, followed by Makhachev at seventh. Daniel Cormier ranked eighth, Khabib ninth, and Alexander Volkanovski rounded out the top ten.
Why Is Conor McGregor Still Talking About Khabib After 8 Years?
The praise for Makhachev comes despite McGregor’s well-documented rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two fighters had a heated feud that culminated in a fight at UFC 229 in 2018, which Khabib won by submission.
McGregor has been critical of Khabib in recent interviews. However, he has consistently praised Makhachev’s skills and accomplishments inside the octagon.
Makhachev trains at American Kickboxing Academy alongside Khabib, who now serves as a coach. The camp has produced multiple UFC champions over the years.
