It’s no secret that Khabib Nurmagomedov nonetheless harbors animosity towards Conor McGregor, and that pressure has carried over to Islam Makhachev. Now getting ready to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322, Makhachev stays firmly aligned along with his longtime teammate.
The Irishman and the Dagestani camp have been linked ever for the reason that chaotic post-fight brawl at UFC 229, the place Makhachev stood proper beside Nurmagomedov because the melee erupted inside T-Cell Area in Las Vegas. Forward of his large showdown at Madison Sq. Backyard, the previous light-weight champion didn’t maintain again. He took a pointed shot at McGregor, making a daring declare in regards to the Irish star’s combating future, maintaining the rivalry very a lot alive.
Islam Makhachev Claims McGregor’s UFC Return Is Off the Desk for Good
For these unaware, Conor McGregor has been out of motion since July 2021, when he broke his leg in his trilogy combat towards Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Though he was formally booked to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 final yr, the bout fell aside after the Irishman withdrew attributable to a toe harm.
Not too long ago, discuss of McGregor probably returning on the UFC’s deliberate White Home occasion in June 2026 has reignited hope amongst followers. However Islam Makhachev isn’t shopping for it. When requested about McGregor’s newest claims of an MMA comeback and his curiosity within the White Home card, the Dagestani star made it clear he doesn’t imagine the Irishman will ever combat once more.
Furthermore, he cited Khabib Nurmagomedov as the first motive. In an interview with Complicated, Makhachev acknowledged, “No, this man is rarely coming again. Khabib broke his thoughts, you realize.”
He doubled down, including, “This man shouldn’t be coming again. He’s by no means going to combat anymore. I informed this like two years in the past, and I nonetheless assume he’s not going to combat.”
Islam on Conor’s return forward of the White Home card 🗣️🔥
“No, this man by no means come again. Khabib broke his thoughts. This man by no means come again. He’s not going to combat anymore. I informed this like 2 years in the past, however I nonetheless assume he isn’t going to combat. And now he has disqualification… pic.twitter.com/AuMmcVMpY5
— Pink Nook MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 15, 2025
Makhachev additionally pointed to McGregor’s present scenario with the UFC’s Fight Sports activities Anti-Doping (CSAD) program. For the unversed, McGregor obtained a retroactive 18-month suspension for failing to reveal his whereabouts, with the ban ending on 20 March 2026.
He continued, “And now he has disqualification from the anti-doping fee, I heard, and that’s why I believe no. Perhaps Jon Jones will come again to combat on the White Home, however not Conor.”
Whereas Islam Makhachev dismissed the concept of McGregor ever returning, he was extra optimistic about Jon Jones, who retired final yr after vacating the heavyweight title. Given the historic significance of the upcoming White Home card and the large payday connected to it, Jones has been keen to come back again.
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He has repeatedly urged Dana White to present him a spot on the June 2026 occasion. Nevertheless, the UFC CEO has been agency about not counting on Jones for the cardboard. As a substitute, he has expressed extra confidence in McGregor, believing the Irishman is somebody who can nonetheless ship on a serious stage.
In latest months, the previous double champ has additionally shifted his public habits, showing sober, staying out of controversy, and specializing in coaching whereas remaining largely off social media. With all these shifting items, will probably be fascinating to see how McGregor’s future unfolds.
