Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin doubts Conor McGregor's return, but admits: 'It would be good for MMA'

McGregor promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

the return of Conor McGregor The fight against MMA continues to generate debate among athletes and sports experts. This time, the person who gave their opinion on the future of the former UFC champion was... Usman Nurmagomedovcousin and Khabib NurmagomedovThe current PFL lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), the Russian expressed skepticism regarding a successful return of the Irishman to the fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329, July 11th, a fight in the welterweight category (up to 77 kg). 

Usman stated that he doesn't believe McGregor will be able to return to the highest level of the sport if he does indeed return to fighting. According to the PFL champion, the nearly five years without competing represent a difficult obstacle to overcome in a sport as demanding as MMA.

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"I don't believe he will (fight) and if he does, I don't believe he will win, because 5 years is a long time to be out of this sport," the undefeated MMA fighter told the American website, 'Home of Fight'.

The last presentation of Conor McGregor It happened in July 2021, when he suffered a serious leg fracture during the defeat to Dustin poirier No. UFC 264, held in Las Vegas (USA). Since then, the former featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight champion has undergone a long recovery process, participated in season 31 of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter, and was even announced to face... Michael chandler in June 2024. However, the duel never materialized.

Despite doubts about the Irishman's competitive performance, Usman acknowledged McGregor's importance to the mixed martial arts industry. The PFL champion highlighted that a potential victory for the star could generate benefits for the entire sport, especially in terms of popularity and audience reach.

But if he (Conor McGregor"Winning would really be good for MMA, he starts talking and more fans will come," the Russian added.

Career Usman Nurmagomedov

At 28, Usman Nurmagomedov He is considered one of the top names outside of the UFC. Undefeated in his professional career, the fighter has 21 wins, eight by knockout and seven by submission. The Russian recently had a rivalry with the Irishman. Paul Hughes, defeating him on two occasions.