Islam Makhachev reveals offer to fight Conor McGregor outside of UFC with ‘not much time left’

Aug 13, 2026 - 16:30

Islam Makhachev is on the path to becoming the greatest fighter in UFC history.

And having stated he ‘does not have much time’ left in the UFC at the age of 34, there is no surprise that combat sports’ most powerful man is already wanting to plan Makhachev‘s future.

Islam Makhachev reacts to his win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025 — Makhachev is a two-division UFC champion and can cement his legacy as arguably the greatest to ever do it with a win over Ian Machado Garry on Saturday

Makhachev makes the first defence of his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 this weekend, having already won and defended the lightweight belt.

If the Russian defeats Ireland’s Machado Garry, he will surpass Anderson Silva’s 16-fight unbeaten streak for the most in promotional history.

It will also strengthen Makhachev’s value for future fights, whether that’s inside or outside the cage.

Earlier this month, Makhachev revealed ‘good talks’ had been held with Saudi boxing powerhouse Turki Alalshikh about a potential appearance for Zuffa Boxing, which is led by Alalshikh and UFC CEO Dana White.

While Makhachev expressed his interest in transitioning to boxing down the line, he didn’t name an opponent for a potential fight in the ring.

Makhachev: Conor McGregor fight is possible

Until this week, when Makhachev dropped Conor McGregor‘s name during a conversation with UFC Eurasia.

“A fight [with McGregor] is still possible,” Makhachev said, after discussing the Irishman’s nightmare comeback at UFC 329 in July.

“I have a new story to tell regarding McGregor. I went to a boxing event and I was with Turki Alalshikh.

“[Alalshikh] called Conor and asked him if he wants to box me.”

Asked about his interest in facing McGregor in the ring, Makhachev responded: “Yes, I am down.

Conor McGregor of Ireland prepares to face Max Holloway in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada — Makhachev is open to a boxing match with McGregor, who is expected to contest his final UFC bout in July 2027 after injuring himself seconds into his fighting return last month

A graphic of Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry — But first, the Russian must overcome Machado Garry, who is out to become the first Irish UFC champion since McGregor

“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.”

He continued: “Why not? I am not a high-level boxer, but I can handle myself with other MMA fighters on the feet.”

Makhachev’s UFC run coming to an end

Despite dismissing rumours that he will retire from MMA if he is victorious on Saturday, Makhachev recognises his time in the sport’s biggest promotion is limited.

“I’m not a young guy, you know?” Makhachev told UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson on YouTube when previewing his fight against Machado Garry.

“Now it’s better for me to fight every three to four months. I understand I’m not 28 years old. I’m 34 right now.

Islam Makhachev wrestles Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 — Makhachev knows that at the age of 34 he doesn’t have long left at the top of his game in the UFC — so he’s open to boxing in the future

Islam Makhachev reacts after his knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 — The Russian will go 17 fights undefeated in White’s promotion if he is successful in the main event of UFC 330

“And I don’t have much time. Sometimes it’s not going like you want in the UFC.

“You want to fight after three or four months, but it’s not something you always wish.”

While Makhachev’s boss, White, has dismissed letting his MMA fighters transition over to Zuffa Boxing, he could be easily swayed if the Russian is matched up against McGregor.

After all, McGregor is well past his best years and going back into boxing for another lucrative clash — just like when he fought Floyd Mayweather in 2017 — seems a sensible destination.

Furthermore, Alalshikh was front and centre in booking Oleksandr Usyk‘s fight with Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza.

Verhoeven won many rounds against Usyk, despite predictions from the boxing world that he would fall easily at the hands of the Ukrainian heavyweight legend.

UFC Schedule

There are still several blockbuster shows and exciting contests for fight fans to look forward to in 2026, and you can find the full list of all confirmed events and official bouts as part of talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.

The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with up to 30 smaller ‘Fight Night’ cards allowing prospects and less experienced fighters to showcase their talents.

On January 1, 2026, Dana White’s promotion signed a seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+ for exclusive rights in the US, meaning the UFC has put on shows like never before this year.

With the historic first event in the new Paramount era, UFC 324, delivering huge success, and a one-of-a-kind fight card at the White House in June opening up the UFC to a new audience, the promotion remains a premium global sports brand, and fans are eager to keep track of results and upcoming fights.

It doesn’t seem like Alalshikh would have to do much to convince White to let someone like Makhachev enter the ring, given the finances at his disposal.