The UFC scene has been buzzing around lightweights as current champion Islam Makhachev weighs a potential showdown with Conor McGregor. In discussions that have stirred both fans and analysts, Makhachev left the door open only if McGregor proves his comeback is warranted. He stated this clearly: “Am I going to fight Conor? If he comes back and deserves it, wins 3-4 fights, yes. I won’t want this fight because I don’t think he deserves it. And I don’t even think he deserves it.”
At UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21, Makhachev made a powerful statement by defeating Alex Volkanovski in the main event. The victory came by knockout in the first round, marking Makhachev’s second successful title defense. It also extended a strong winning streak against Volkanovski, with this win following a previous triumph that sealed his status as the lightweight champion. The performance helped him approach a near two-million-dollar payout for the event and boosted his record to 25 wins in 26 fights. These numbers reinforce his ongoing impact in the division and his ability to consistently perform on the sport’s biggest stages.
Conor McGregor, a former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, has long been one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. The Irish star’s last appearance came at UFC 264, where a first‑round injury to his leg opened the door for a dramatic finish. That fight remains a defining moment in his career, illustrating both the risks and high-reward nature of his battles inside the octagon. McGregor has publicly discussed his return plans, outlining a path back to the cage that many fans are eagerly awaiting. The timing and readiness of his comeback are continuing topics of discussion among fighters, commentators, and bettors alike, as people try to forecast whether a rematch with Makhachev would live up to the hype. Source notes indicate ongoing chatter about the timeline for his return and the possible implications for the lightweight division. (Source: MMA media reports)