“Khabib Is Not Going to Be Present” – Islam Makhachev Given Brutal Reality Check After “Money Fight” Claims for Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor has shown signs of coming back to the UFC. This has already created some ripples in the lightweight division. While Michael Chandler is speculated to be the first fighter in McGregor‘s way, the storyline would like him to meet his arch-rival Dustin Poirier next. The ultimate comeback fight for the Irishman would have been a fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, it’s not possible anymore. ‘The Eagle’ has retired from the UFC.

Although now, his protégé, Islam Makhachev, is ruling the lightweight division. The next apt possible fight could be McGregor vs Makhachev, but a UFC legend feels the time isn’t ripe for it yet.

UFC legend and Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen has slammed the Russian’s idea of fighting the Irishman. The current lightweight champ had made statements calling the potential match up a “big money fight“. ‘The American Gangster’, however, thought it would be worth it only if the SBG Ireland product could come out as a winner against a few other lightweight powerhouses.

Chael Sonnen wants Conor McGregor to add to the trilogy

Conor McGregor has met ‘The Diamond’ thrice in the cage. While the first two fights left them with one win, each the much anticipated third fight didn’t definitively decide a clear winner. ‘The Notorious’ lost after he fractured his tibia in a trilogy fight. This left a lot of questions unanswered.

Sonnen has now expressed why he feels Makhachev vs McGregor will be a worthless fight unless the former double division champ beats Dustin Poirier. On his YouTube channel, the 45-year-old said, “Islam saying he’d like to fight Conor who cares? Easy fight, big money fight, take it and run. Maybe if Conor beats Chandler Conor versus Islam’s a big money fight. Conor versus Islam today, why? I mean nothing that Islam said has been a big money fight. Wondering if Conor can beat Islam is not a question that anybody has.”

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Sonnen further explained why Nurmagomedov‘s absence made a difference. He added, “khabib is not going to be present at this because he’s retired. He’s not coming back for his arch-enemy. I think is the way that story would go: what is the tie in there? What is Islam talking about? Not to mention the fact that he dismissed I do give Islam credit for that; that was a smart thing to do. I do like to anyone anywhere, anytime approach. That can’t just mean the top guys.”

Conor McGregor’s return will change lightweight division dynamics

Conor McGregor has been away from the cage for a while now. ‘The Eagle’ is no more in the mix and his legacy is being continued by Islam Makhachev. Dustin Poirier fought Michael Chandler earlier and came out on top. McG is coaching against ‘Iron’ in The Ultimate Fighter 31.

The duo is reportedly going to go against each other later this year in a comeback fight for Conor McGregor. It remains a mystery which way McG’s career goes from here, but fans will definitely be eager to see their superstar back in action.

Do you think McGregor can lift a belt again? Let us know.

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