To say that Conor McGregor has been at odds with Team Khabib since 2018 would be an understatement. The rivalry between the former dual-weight champion and Khabib Nurmagomedov has kept them from ever seeing eye to eye. Since their high-profile fight seven years ago, ‘Mystic Mac’ has consistently taken shots at the Dagestanis at every given opportunity. But recently, there seemed to be a change in McGregor’s tone, as a gesture toward Islam Makhachev in January caught the attention of fans, leaving them slightly bewildered.

The soon-to-be former lightweight champion is a simple man who enjoys fighting, competition, winning titles, and caring for his animals. Islam Makhachev owns a large farm—his second favorite place to be apart from the gym—that houses over 1,000 animals. Since the day Makhachev showcased his farm, many people within and outside the MMA community have praised it as an impressive investment, including Conor McGregor.

Recently, when Home of Fight uploaded a video of Islam Makhachev‘s farm on their social media handle, ‘Mystic Mac’ liked the post—surprising fans who are used to his never-ending animosity with Team Khabib. Many believe the Irishman may have accidentally liked the post, but it still reflects a moment of significance in their feud. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev uploaded another video of his farm—this time, instead of spending time with his animals, he’s seen enjoying quality moments with friends while fixing the fence of the property.

And what kind of animals does Makhachev raise? According to Dagestani, he maintains a large flock—estimated at around 1000 sheep—along with several horses, a few deer, ducks, and more. In addition to the animals, the farm houses dirt bikes and open spaces for barbecues, making it a hub for outdoor activities and gatherings with friends.

Islam Makhachev enjoys spending time with his friends on his farm whenever he has free time from competing and training. But now, he has another goal on the horizon—one that warrants his presence away from the farm and in the gym.

We’re talking about his preparation for what could perhaps be the biggest fight of his career—the quest for welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena. Ahead of his bout (which is yet to be officially declared on a PPV card), which may happen somewhere around the fourth quarter of this year, Team Khabib’s coach and AKA founder Javier Mendez has given his early prediction on the fight between the Dagestani and Australian fighters. Let’s see what he had to say.

Javier Mendez shares his prediction on Jack Della Maddalena vs.Islam Makhachev

After Belal Muhammad lost his title to the Aussie slugger Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Islam Makhachev announced his intentions to move up and vacate his lightweight title with the intent of facing the newly minted welterweight champion next. For years, the Dagestani expressed his wish to fight for a second title, and after much waiting, UFC CEO Dana White has finally obliged his wish. While their fight is yet to be officially announced, it is almost certain that Dana White will grant Islam Makhachev the title shot before anyone else.

In a recent appearance, Javier Mendez has come forward to give his necessary analysis on the fight.“I don’t see it any other way than a five-round grueling war that we’re going to win every round. That’s it, that’s the only thing I would say. I would not predict the knockout. I would not predict the submission because it takes me out of the fight, and too much huge respect for someone like Jack [for] what he accomplished,” said Mendez.

Jack Della Maddalena is relatively new to the promotion compared to Islam Makhachev, who has been in the UFC since 2015. But, despite that, the Aussie has made a name for himself within the Octagon. Now, riding an 18-fight winning streak, ‘JDM’ will be looking to breach the Dagestani wall, but will he be able to do it? We will have to wait to witness it. Regardless, what are your thoughts on the fight? State your opinion in the comments below.