Makhachev Says He'd Box Only McGregor, Fears Round 1
Islam Makhachev says he'd only box Conor McGregor, warning McGregor is dangerous just in round one.
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UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev says the only crossover boxing match he would seriously entertain is against Conor McGregor, and he thinks McGregor is dangerous for exactly one round.
"He's dangerous, yes, in the first round. But after that, I don't think he has much of a chance," Makhachev said in an interview with Ushatayka. "Honestly, regardless of money, I'd box specifically against Conor."
Why Makhachev Is Naming McGregor Specifically
Makhachev's connection to McGregor runs through Khabib Nurmagomedov, his longtime mentor and coach. Makhachev was in Nurmagomedov's corner at UFC 229 when Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in one of the promotion's most heated grudge matches. Makhachev has made clear he does not carry the same animosity toward McGregor that Nurmagomedov does, which is part of why a boxing match between the two has kept coming up. The two men have teased the idea for months, and Makhachev recently raised the possibility of competing in Zuffa Boxing once his UFC run winds down, after showing up at one of that promotion's early events. On money, Makhachev was noncommittal, saying only that boxing crossover fights pay well without naming a figure.
What This Means for a Potential Fight
Nothing is booked. McGregor has not publicly responded to Makhachev's comments, and Makhachev is still the reigning UFC welterweight champion with title business to attend to inside the cage. But the interest looks mutual enough, and the Zuffa Boxing connection gives both men a plausible venue if they ever decide to make it real. McGregor's combat sports timeline is also a factor. His UFC 329 comeback this year ended within seconds due to a serious right leg injury, and he has talked about targeting a return in 2027. If that return includes a boxing option, Makhachev has now put himself on the short list of opponents he'd actually take.
For bettors, there is nothing to price yet since no fight is scheduled, but Makhachev's own scouting report, that McGregor is live early and fades if it goes past the first round, is the kind of read that would shape opening lines the moment a bout is announced. Expect any market that does form to lean heavily on McGregor's recent injury history and lengthy layoffs against Makhachev's status as a proven, in-his-prime UFC champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Islam Makhachev say he wants to box Conor McGregor?
Yes, Islam Makhachev said in an interview that Conor McGregor is the only opponent he would seriously consider for a crossover boxing match, regardless of the payday.
Is a Makhachev vs. McGregor boxing match official?
No fight is booked. Islam Makhachev has floated the idea and referenced Zuffa Boxing as a possible landing spot after his UFC career ends, but Conor McGregor has not responded publicly.
What did Islam Makhachev say about Conor McGregor's chances in boxing?
Islam Makhachev said Conor McGregor is dangerous in the first round of a boxing match but does not think McGregor has much of a chance after that.
