Conor McGregor vs. Islam Makhachev Gets a Green Signal as Former Double Champion Sidelines Justin Gaetjhe and Michael Chandler

Islam Makhachev and his knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 might be a contender for ‘knockout of the year’. Despite a change in opponents on short notice, Makhachev reminded the world why he is the UFC lightweight champion. He landed a stunning headkick in the very first round that dropped Volkanovski and followed up with vicious shots to end the fight. The knockout also silenced the controversy surrounding their first fight at UFC 284, where many fans thought Volkanovski was robbed of a victory.

Makhachev has claimed that he would like to challenge for a belt in a higher weight class next. He has already been involved in war of words with Colby Covington. Covington will be taking on Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 296. But a former UFC champion has now come out to state his pick for who Makhachev should fight next. And he has added an intriguing name into the mix!

Islam Makhachev should fight Conor McGregor next according to former UFC champion

Islam Makhachev has made it known that he would be willing to go for a second belt next. After defeating Volkanovski, Makhachev announced his willingness to serve as a backup for UFC 296.  He stated, “My phone is working. Dana call me”, indicating he is ready for the challenge at welterweight. But Daniel Cormier, former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, has another opponent in mind for Makhachev!

On an episode of the ‘DC & RC’ show on YouTube, Cormier suggested that Islam Makhachev should fight Conor McGregor next. He said his statements were not to disrespect other fighters like Justin Gaethje or Michael Chandler but for the potential fight to be a huge event for the UFC.

Cormier further explained his thoughts by stating, “You have Islam Makhachev who loves to be a guy that’s going to be a dominant champion, in order to have that dominant champion go to the next level of superstardom, you need a foil. You need a guy that can elevate him, the guy that can elevate him to that level is Conor McGregor.”

He also believes it’s a fight that could elevate Makhachev to ‘superstar status’, as defeating McGregor has done wonders for other fighters like Dustin Poirier and Khabib Nurmagomedov. According to him, it is a logical move to propel Makhachev to the next level in his career.

However, whether the McGregor fight will happen is still uncertain, given Islam Makhachev’s statements about his desire to compete for another belt. Colby Covington, the challenger for Leon Edwards’ welterweight title at UFC 296 has made his opinions about Makhachev and his fighting style clear!

Makhachev’s coach shuts down Colby Covington and his comments

Islam Makhachev is known for his unique MMA skillset that involves elements from wrestling and Sambo. And with his intentions to move up to welterweight in the future, Colby Covington has made claims that he believes “American wrestling” is better than “mountain wrestling”.

In an interview with Submission Radio, Covington stated, “…they know that American wrestling is the best. That Sambo sh*t don’t work.”

Now, Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez, has come out with a statement addressing Covington’s claims. In another interview with Submission Radio, Mendez advised Covington to respect Makhachev’s wrestling prowess. He stated, “All I gotta say is… you gotta pay attention to the Dagestanis wrestling, buddy.”

Read More: “He’s Sitting in a Little Boy’s Weight Class”: Despite Losing 2 Out of His Last 4 Fights, Colby Covington Makes a Bold Callout to “Scared” Islam Makhachev in a “Super Fight” After UFC 296

Mendez went on to explain that one of Makhachev’s primary wrestling partners is someone who beat Kyle Dake. Dake is famous for winning a national wrestling title in four weight divisions. And it stands as a remarkable accomplishment never before seen in U.S. wrestling history!

Do you think Islam Makhachev should fight Conor McGregor next or continue his quest to become ‘champ-champ’? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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