Islam Makhachev was all smiles after he landed in Dagestan, getting a heartwarming welcome following his epic win over Dustin Poirier. As expected, the media there caught up with him and pitched an interesting question – Conor McGregor or Arman Tsarukyan, whom would he prefer to fight? Well, the lightweight champion unsurprisingly picked ‘The Notorious’.

Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s rivalry with Conor McGregor is arguably the biggest rivalry ever. Similarly, Islam Makhachev believes that his fight against Conor McGregor would bring more attention than a fight against Arman Tsarukyan, who’s currently the number one contender.

“To be honest, the McGregor fight looks more interesting in terms of media [attention] and in all respects,” Islam Makhachev told Ushatayka. However, there is a big problem with the Conor McGregor fight, and that is the uncertain nature of his return. Citing the recent partying videos and press event cancellation as indicators, Makhachev doesn’t really have much hope in getting the chance to throw down against the former double champion.

“But I don’t think he’ll even show up for this next fight. We all have seen that video, plus they canceled the press conference. I don’t think he’ll be able to make it to the fight,” the lightweight champion further stared. Meanwhile, the fans seemed upset with Islam Makhachev for his choice of McGregor instead of Arman Tsarukyan, who seems to deserve his opportunity for a title shot.

Fans flame Islam Makhachev for choosing Conor McGregor over Tsarukyan

The fans weren’t having any of what Islam Makhachev had to say about a potential big-money fight against Conor McGregor, claiming that even though fighters don’t rate the Irishman anymore, they still want a piece of him. Meanwhile, another fan commented that the lightweight champion choosing the Irishman comes as no surprise because he would easily dispatch McGregor. While one said, “They all think hell lose, but wanna fight him,” the other stated, “No sh*t, because hes an easy cash grab for them. Islam would demolish Conor without a scratch and earn bank.”

On the other hand, some fans were amused by the fact that so many fighters have called out McGregor, but they would never get an answer. “Connor been called out by lightweights, welterweight and featherweight n none of them get any responses. Its funny to see everyone begging for him.” They certainly believe that ideating a fight against Conor McGregor is a lost cause. Meanwhile, some fans wanted to see a fight between Islam Makhachev and an undefeated boxing legend. “No Dana , give him the actual money fight. Give him Mayweather woooooooo.”

The fans also weighed in on the plethora of callouts Conor McGregor has received, making them believe that there is no bigger draw than ‘The Fighting Irish’ himself. “Can’t say conor isn’t face of mma every fighter has his d*** in their mouths.” However, Islam Makhachev had his supporters, and they claimed that he wasn’t calling out anyone, but rather answering a question. “He didn’t call him out lol he was asked a question and Connors brought up Islam a lot more than he’s brought him up.” No matter what others think, his supporter believes that he’s earned his chance for a fight with the biggest paycheck of his career. “He’s earned a money fight.”

Dana White seems adamant about pitting Islam Makhachev against Arman Tsarukyan, and that seems like its happening soon. This makes it difficult to believe that Conor McGregor, who has only two fights left in his contract, would ever get to share the Octagon with his former rival’s protégé. What do you think?