Islam Makhachev is very amused over the cancelation of Conor McGregor‘s UFC 303 clash against Michael Chandler. Amid some expressing doubts over whether the Irishman was indeed injured, ‘Mac’ has tweeted photo and X-ray evidence showing a broken pinkie toe.

And Makhachev took this opportunity to call out ‘Notorious’ for calling off the bout over what he considered a minor and insignificant injury. “You don’t need a pinkie toe for a fight lol. Chicken,” the Dagestani tweeted on X.

But this wasn’t all. The lightweight champion also took a jab at Michael Chandler, who will likely have to wait even longer for his fight with McGregor. Makhachev compared Chandler to Hachiko, the loyal dog who famously waited for his owner every day at a Japanese train station. One day his owner died suddenly but the loyal pet would still come to the station every day, hoping to meet his owner until the day the dog himself passed away. The locals moved by Hachiko’s dedication and love for his owner, erected a monument in the ever-faithful canine’s honor. It is in this reference that the Dagestani made his taunt on X directed at Chandler. “And my condolences to Michael ‘Hachiko’ Chandler,” wrote Makhachev.

Makhachev, of course, is implying that Chandler will tragically never get to ever fight McGregor, just as the dog never reunited with its owner. And one of the reasons for this may be Makhachev himself, who is more than open to fighting McGregor.

Why Islam Makhachev wants to fight Conor McGregor

Islam Makhachev, prior to his successful UFC 302 clash against Dustin Poirier said he would “have to be stupid to say no” to fighting Conor McGregor. For one simple reason: money. The Irishman, of course, has been out of the octagon for the past three years, recovering from a horrific snapped leg. And he has been on a downward slope since.

In the six years since his record-breaking UFC 224 clash against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018, McGregor has fought only three times, losing all but one of the fights. And while a fight with the Irishman will do almost nothing to move the needle for the Dagestani champ in his division as there are better opponents on offer, it would be a huge payday and probably the biggest fight Makhachev could ever have. Not to mention an opportunity to have Conor McGregor, by far the most famous mixed martial artist, on his resume.

Which is why there is a possibility, albeit a remote one that Makhachev asks the UFC to give him Conor McGregor next. And given the fact that the fight is sure to be a commercial smash hit, Dana White may be open to the suggestion. Right now, of course, the Dagestani is gearing up to fight #1 contender Arman Tsarukyan, but the fight has yet to be officially announced. Which means there is plenty of time for the UFC to change its mind.

What are your thoughts on Makhachev’s tweets?