Islam Makhachev Eyes Boxing Conor McGregor After Historic

Islam Makhachev is open to a boxing match with Conor McGregor, a potential superfight pitched by Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh. The reigning UFC welterweight champion made the revelation fresh off his historic 17th consecutive victory inside the Octagon, a new promotional record set at UFC 330 in August.

Makhachev attended the Zuffa 9 boxing event in August where Alalshikh connected him via video call with McGregor. The idea of a crossover bout was floated then. In a recent interview, Makhachev doubled down on his interest, stating money would not be the deciding factor. He expressed supreme confidence in his striking, suggesting the Irishman, who is recovering from ACL and meniscus surgery, poses little threat. "I don't think he has any chance," Makhachev said of McGregor in a boxing ring. The champion is currently dealing with lingering spinal issues discovered after several MRI scans following his last fight, but the McGregor spectacle remains a tantalizing possibility.

With his win over Ian Machado Garry, Makhachev's 17-fight run surpassed Anderson Silva's long-standing record of 16. Some argue Jon Jones holds the true record with 20 bouts without a loss since 2009, though his streak includes a no contest. Makhachev rejects that claim, pointing to Jones' history with anti-doping violations. "He was caught doping twice, and I think that's why his streak isn't considered valid," Makhachev told Ushatayka. He believes a new count should start after a failed test. This stance may draw scrutiny given Makhachev's own past test failure in 2016, which UFC anti-doping executive Jeff Novitzky later called a "colossal mistake."

Makhachev's unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry at Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena was met with respect from the MMA community. While it extended his record, many observers noted the champion appeared more vulnerable than in previous outings. The fight's narrative was partly shaped by Garry's frequent hugging during the contest, a tactic criticized by UFC CEO Dana White for lacking a "killer instinct." Garry's head coach, Diego Lima, defended his fighter's sportsmanship but admitted a more aggressive approach might have changed the outcome. Lima praised Makhachev as an "extremely respectful" opponent and expressed confidence Garry could win a rematch, targeting the belt for next year.

After a demanding title defense that required post-fight medical evaluation, Makhachev is targeting a return to action. He has indicated a desire to fight again in January or potentially earlier. The welterweight division has no shortage of contenders waiting, including Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. Makhachev's immediate future involves recuperation from the spinal issues identified after UFC 330 before he can commit to a specific date for his next title defense.

• Historic Streak: Islam Makhachev now holds the UFC record with 17 consecutive wins, breaking Anderson Silva's record of 16.
• Superfight Buzz: A boxing match with Conor McGregor, proposed by Turki Alalshikh, is a real possibility Makhachev is willing to take.
• Record Dispute: Makhachev views Jon Jones' 20-fight unbeaten run as invalid due to past doping violations.
• Return Timeline: The champion is aiming for a return to the UFC in early 2027, pending recovery from spinal issues.