Islam Makhachev is targeting a crossover boxing match against Conor McGregor, claiming the former dual-weight champion only poses a threat for one round. The UFC champion insists money is secondary to securing a high-profile fight against his long-time rival.
Makhachev evaluated McGregor’s boxing capabilities directly during a recent interview. While primarily known for his elite wrestling, cage control, and submission grappling, the UFC champion expressed confidence in his striking fundamentals. He downplayed his rival’s ability to survive a drawn-out boxing contest over multiple rounds. Speaking to Ushatayka, the pound-for-pound standout broke down how he expects a boxing match against McGregor to unfold.
“Well, if I say he’s not dangerous at all, that would be wrong,” Makhachev stated. He admitted that McGregor’s early precision poses a legitimate threat in the opening minutes of action before stamina becomes a factor. “He’s dangerous, yes, in the first round.” However, Makhachev believes the physical tide turns quickly once that initial burst subsides. “But after that, I don’t think he has much of a chance.”
Promoters are already testing the waters for a potential ring encounter. Boxing figures recently organized a phone call in hopes of getting both UFC stars into the ring together. Financial rewards for crossover boxing events remain massive compared to standard MMA purses. “When it comes to boxing, they pay very good money,” Makhachev acknowledged. Still, he stressed that personal competitive motivation outweighs the monetary compensation. “Honestly, regardless of money, I’d box specifically against Conor.”
McGregor has yet to respond publicly to Makhachev’s comments. The former dual-weight champion remains in the early stages of rehabbing an injury suffered in July. With only one bout left on his UFC contract, McGregor intends to exit MMA’s premier promotion in 2027. Should both fighters pursue this crossover fight in the squared circle, organizers face a tight timeframe to finalize negotiations before contract commitments expire.
