Islam Makhachev is gearing up to defend his UFC welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. However, the Russian star has sparked massive excitement after revealing talks with Turki Alalshikh over a potential boxing mega-fight against Conor McGregor.
Makhachev dropped a bombshell right before his big title defense at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Most fans expect him to roll past Machado Garry, but his attention has shifted to bigger headlines. Speaking in a recent interview, the champion teased fans with fresh drama involving his arch-rival. He opened up by stating: “I have a new story to tell regarding McGregor,” before spilling secrets about a meeting at Zuffa Boxing 09 inside Madison Square Garden.
According to the champ, Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh tried to set up a crossover clash right next to UFC boss Dana White. Makhachev revealed: “I went to a boxing event, and I was with Turki Alalshikh. (Alalshikh) called Conor and asked him if he wants to box me.”
The Russian star did not back down from the boxing proposal. Instead, he pointed straight to White to see if the UFC executive would sanction the ring battle. Makhachev said: “I told him to ask Dana White, who was near us. He laughed about it. We couldn’t really talk (because) he started showing some body language.”
It is a potential blockbuster showdown. But Dana White is slamming the door shut.
White remains fiercely opposed to sending his top MMA champions into the ring. When pressed on crossover bouts, the UFC head honcho stood firm on his stance, stating: “Boxers get destroyed in MMA and vice versa. There are two completely different sports. Yes, it could happen, but it’s not what I want to do,”. White has previously yelled “no way in hell” at fighters chasing boxing paydays, determined to protect his company’s core business model.
The financial stakes are sky-high, but severe roadblocks line the path to the ring. Former UFC heavyweights like Francis Ngannou hit massive paydays in boxing, but other crossovers failed to deliver, with Jorge Masvidal versus Nate Diaz generating just a $1.25 million gate. McGregor is currently recovering from the leg injury he suffered at UFC 329 as he prepares for his UFC comeback next year. With White shutting down crossover permits, an Octagon war between Makhachev and McGregor remains far more probable than a boxing ring clash.
