​Islam Makhachev, shown on the left, appeared to enjoy poking fun at Conor McGregor after the Irish fighter’s disappointing defeat to Max Holloway. The moment came after Holloway halted McGregor’s bid for redemption with a sharp knee on the very first exchange in their rematch at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. From there, McGregor was unable to plant his feet properly, and the referee ultimately waved off the bout. Makhachev has since joined in the lighthearted ribbing, taking to social media to mock the former two-division champion.
In addressing UFC 329’s main event, Makhachev referenced the outcome in a lighthearted manner that highlighted the ongoing Dagestan-Ireland rivalry within the UFC. His ally and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, had long criticized McGregor’s progress, making McGregor’s loss to Holloway an especially notable moment for those who follow the team closely. Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, shared his live reaction to McGregor’s injury on Instagram, prompting Makhachev to reply with a laughing emoji on the post, a playful twist in the ongoing banter between rivals.
McGregor himself had previously praised Makhachev in the weeks leading up to UFC 329, publicly placing him above Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier in terms of body of work and finishes. “Body of work, finishes. I rank him above Khabib and DC. People around him are talking about retirement, but there’s a lot left in that boy,” McGregor said in an interview, signaling strong confidence in Makhachev’s abilities and potential.
The clash between Nurmagomedov and McGregor remains a landmark in UFC history, contributing to the event’s status as the promotion’s best-selling pay-per-view to date. The rivalry that began in earnest between Dagestan and Ireland continues to shape the sport’s narrative, with the next chapter anticipated at UFC 330. There, Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight belt against Ian Garry, as he aims to extend his dominant run and push the rivalry to new heights.
For fans and analysts tracking the ongoing saga, the dynamics surrounding McGregor’s return and Makhachev’s continued ascent offer a compelling storyline. The latest exchanges, including Makhachev’s lighthearted jabs and McGregor’s public praise, add texture to a feud that has captivated mixed martial arts enthusiasts for years. As UFC 330 approaches, all eyes will be on how the two camps—Makhachev’s camp and McGregor’s extended circle—navigate the evolving narrative, while the sport rewards the next display of skill, strategy, and bravado from some of the sport’s most recognizable names.