It’s no secret that Khabib Nurmagomedov nonetheless harbors animosity towards Conor McGregor, and that rigidity has carried over to Islam Makhachev. Now making ready to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322, Makhachev stays firmly aligned together with his longtime teammate.
The Irishman and the Dagestani camp have been linked ever because the chaotic post-fight brawl at UFC 229, the place Makhachev stood proper beside Nurmagomedov because the melee erupted inside T-Cellular 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 concerning the Irish star’s preventing future, holding 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 struggle 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.
Just lately, 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 consider the Irishman will ever struggle once more.
Furthermore, he cited Khabib Nurmagomedov as the first purpose. In an interview with Advanced, Makhachev said, “No, this man is rarely coming again. Khabib broke his thoughts, you recognize.”
He doubled down, including, “This man is just not coming again. He’s by no means going to struggle anymore. I instructed this like two years in the past, and I nonetheless assume he’s not going to struggle.”
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 isn’t going to struggle anymore. I instructed this like 2 years in the past, however I nonetheless assume he’s not going to struggle. 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 feel no. Perhaps Jon Jones will come again to struggle on the White Home, however not Conor.”
Whereas Islam Makhachev dismissed the thought 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 huge payday hooked up to it, Jones has been keen to come back again.
ALSO READ: Jon Jones Labels Tom Aspinall Extremely Overrated Whereas Breaking Down UFC 321 Most important Occasion
He has repeatedly urged Dana White to provide 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 conduct, showing sober, staying out of controversy, and specializing in coaching whereas remaining largely off social media. With all these transferring items, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how McGregor’s future unfolds.
