It is no secret that Khabib Nurmagomedov still harbors animosity toward Conor McGregor, and that tension has carried over to Islam Makhachev. Now preparing to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322, Makhachev remains firmly aligned with his longtime teammate.
The Irishman and the Dagestani camp have been linked ever since the chaotic post-fight brawl at UFC 229, where Makhachev stood right beside Nurmagomedov as the melee erupted inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ahead of his massive showdown at Madison Square Garden, the former lightweight champion didn’t hold back. He took a pointed shot at McGregor, making a bold claim about the Irish star’s fighting future, keeping the rivalry very much alive.
Islam Makhachev Claims McGregor’s UFC Return Is Off the Table for Good
For those unaware, Conor McGregor has been out of action since July 2021, when he broke his leg in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Although he was officially booked to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last year, the bout fell apart after the Irishman withdrew due to a toe injury.
Recently, talk of McGregor potentially returning at the UFC’s planned White House event in June 2026 has reignited hope among fans. But Islam Makhachev isn’t buying it. When asked about McGregor’s latest claims of an MMA comeback and his interest in the White House card, the Dagestani star made it clear he doesn’t believe the Irishman will ever fight again.
Moreover, he cited Khabib Nurmagomedov as the primary reason. In an interview with Complex, Makhachev stated, “No, this guy is never coming back. Khabib broke his mind, you know.”
He doubled down, adding, “This guy is not coming back. He’s never going to fight anymore. I told this like two years ago, and I still think he’s not going to fight.”
Islam on Conor’s return ahead of the White House card 🗣️🔥
“No, this guy never come back. Khabib broke his mind. This guy never come back. He is not going to fight anymore. I told this like 2 years ago, but I still think he is not going to fight. And now he has disqualification… pic.twitter.com/AuMmcVMpY5
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 15, 2025
Makhachev also pointed to McGregor’s current situation with the UFC’s Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) program. For the unversed, McGregor received a retroactive 18-month suspension for failing to disclose his whereabouts, with the ban ending on 20 March 2026.
He continued, “And now he has disqualification from the anti-doping commission, I heard, and that’s why I think no. Maybe Jon Jones will come back to fight at the White House, but not Conor.”
While Islam Makhachev dismissed the idea of McGregor ever returning, he was more optimistic about Jon Jones, who retired last year after vacating the heavyweight title. Given the historic significance of the upcoming White House card and the massive payday attached to it, Jones has been eager to come back.
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He has repeatedly urged Dana White to give him a spot on the June 2026 event. However, the UFC CEO has been firm about not relying on Jones for the card. Instead, he has expressed more confidence in McGregor, believing the Irishman is someone who can still deliver on a major stage.
In recent months, the former double champ has also shifted his public behavior, appearing sober, staying out of controversy, and focusing on training while remaining largely off social media. With all these moving pieces, it will be interesting to see how McGregor’s future unfolds.
Conor will come back, and he will win another title. You read it here first, folks.