Islam Makhachev reveals talks to fight Conor McGregor outside of the UFC: 'I'm up for it'

Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC

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Islam Makhachev defends his welterweight title (up to 77 kg) at UFC 330 , but his next steps may take place outside the Ultimate octagon. Scheduled to face Ian Garry in the main event, set for next Saturday (15), the Russian revealed that he even talked about a possible boxing match against another big Irish name: Conor McGregor.

In a video published by UFC Eurasia, Makhachev recounted that he was at a boxing event alongside Turki Alalshikh, president of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, when he was asked about the possibility of facing McGregor in the rings of Zuffa Boxing, an organization associated with Dana White.

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“I was at a boxing event with Turki Alalshikh, and he asked me if I would box against Conor McGregor . I said I was up for it, and he called Conor,” said Islam Makhacehv.

Despite attempts at rapprochement, the conversation between Makhachev and McGregor did not progress. According to the Russian, the Irishman adopted a rather unreceptive attitude during the meeting, making a more concrete negotiation impossible at that time.

"We couldn't really talk because he started with some... body language," the champion concluded, laughing.

Islam Makhachev faces Ian Garry at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry will face off for the UFC belt. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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Islam Makhachev will defend his welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 , in a contest that pits grappling dominance against striking volume. Although Garry boasts a significant physical advantage, measuring 1,90m tall and 1,88m in reach compared to the champion's 1,78m in both measurements, the Russian holds a considerable advantage in his professional record with 28-1-0. The Irishman attempts to shock the world with a record of 17 wins and only one loss.

The technical matchup pits Garry's striking volume against Makhachev's relentless wrestling. The challenger lands an average of 4,78 significant strikes per minute compared to the champion's 2,45, but will need to test his 80% takedown defense. This is because Makhachev executes approximately 3,10 takedowns every 15 minutes with 56% accuracy, overwhelmingly controlling the action on the ground.

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