Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Protege Islam Makhachev Slams the Door on ‘Drunk All Day’ Conor McGregor Ever Being a Champion in the UFC Again

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Islam Makhachev, is following in his coach’s footsteps. With incredible wrestling prowess and a great stand-up game, Makhachev is slowly rising to the star status that ‘The Eagle’ bathed in. 

Makhachev’s dominance in the octagon has threatened most fighters not to take him up on an offer to fight. Exempting Bobby Green and Rafael Dos Anjos, who Makhachev denied, most other fighters in the lightweight division are scared to sign the dotted line for a fight against him. 

During an interview with Brett Okamoto for ESPN MMA, Makhachev went over a multitude of topics, including the elephant in the room. Talking about the most influential figure in MMA, Islam Makhachev had less than kind words to say about him. 

Okamoto asked Makhachev if he was worried about McGregor getting a title fight upon his return. 

The Dagestani replied, “I think this is fake. For the fans, that make some interesting, but I think this fake. This it’s gonna be hard for him make 155 because he drunk all days and, you know, and lot of people are going to smash them in this division.”

“He just gonna fight versus Nate Diaz or some, you know, old people for make some money and that’s it. He’s never gonna be champion. He never gonna be compete this level.” 

Islam Makhachev responded to Conor McGregor calling him out

Talking about McGregor calling him out on Twitter, Makhachev added, “Yeah, I saw it. Let’s go, let’s do it, why not? He just play game, he never gonna take this fight. He play little bit game because, he know he’s gonna be long night for him… What Khabib did…When he fought with Khabib he’s like in good shape, not drunk too much.. he have to retire…But if you wanna come back, let’s do it.” 

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Given Makhachev’s form, it is clear that if McGregor wants the lightweight title, he will have to go through the Dagestani. Also, even if the UFC hands ‘The Notorious’ the opportunity and he wins, Makhachev will emerge as a challenger sooner rather than later. 

What’s next for Makhachev? 

Islam Makhachev showcased a dominant performance against Bobby Green in a catchweight bout after Beneil Dariush had to pull out because of an injury. Makhachev believes he is now entitled to a title fight, but Dana White may have another path for him. 

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After Makhachev turned down Rafael Dos Anjos for a fight, the UFC president thinks the best option would be to make Makhachev fight against Dariush before being handed a title shot. The Dagestani also issued a challenge to his previously scheduled opponent in his post-fight chat on February 26. Hence, it could be on.