Islam Makhachev's blunt assessment of Conor McGregor's potential comeback has sparked a heated debate among UFC fans. While McGregor has been hinting at a return to the Octagon since his leg injury in 2021, Makhachev, a former lightweight champion and teammate of McGregor's rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, has poured cold water on these plans.
McGregor's recent track record speaks for itself. Since his 2018 title fight loss to Nurmagomedov, he has only managed a single win, with two losses. This was the peak of a highly charged rivalry, and according to Makhachev, "Khabib broke his mind."
"This guy is done," Makhachev asserted. "He's not coming back to fight. I've said this for years. Now, with his disqualification from the anti-doping commission, I think it's even less likely."
Makhachev went on to suggest that while Jon Jones might make a comeback for the White House event, Conor McGregor is unlikely to be among the fighters.
"I'd be interested in fighting at the White House," Makhachev said, "and it's a good time for me to headline such an event."
Makhachev's potential fight at the White House would be a historic moment, almost a decade after Conor McGregor made history at Madison Square Garden by becoming the UFC's first simultaneous two-division champion.
As for now, BJ Penn remains the only UFC fighter to hold belts in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions, but Makhachev's upcoming fight at UFC 322 could change that narrative.
So, will we see a resurgence of Conor McGregor, or is Islam Makhachev's assessment spot on? The debate continues, and the UFC community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this story.
