The possibility of Islam Makhachev stepping into the boxing ring with Conor McGregor appears to be more than just fantasy talk, according to the UFC lightweight champion himself.
In a recent interview with UFC Eurasia ahead of his title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Makhachev disclosed an intriguing behind-the-scenes moment that nearly set the wheels in motion for a crossover boxing spectacle. The champion revealed that Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh personally attempted to broker the match during a boxing event they both attended.
“Our match is still possible,” Makhachev explained. “I have a new story to tell with him. I went to a boxing event, and I was with Turki Alalshikh. He called Conor and asked if he wants to box with me.”
The Irish star didn’t hesitate when presented with the opportunity. “Yes, I am down,” he responded to Alalshikh’s proposition.
What happened next, however, proved to be the defining moment. With UFC president Dana White nearby, Makhachev suggested asking for his approval. According to him, White’s reaction spoke volumes without him uttering a single word.
“I told him to ask Dana White, who was near us. He laughed about it. We couldn’t really talk, he started showing some body language,” Makhachev recounted.
Despite his primary domain being mixed martial arts, Makhachev expressed confidence in his ability to hold his own in the squared circle. “I am not a high-level boxer, but I could handle myself with other [MMA] figh ters on the feet,” he stated.
The technical logistics of arranging such a bout wouldn’t be particularly complicated. White controls the UFC contracts of both athletes and recently launched Zuffa Boxing earlier this year, creating a natural promotional home for the matchup. Yet the UFC chief executive has drawn a firm line regarding crossover competitions.
“No, never,” White previously stated when asked about MMA competitors appearing on Zuffa Boxing cards. “I’m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally don’t want to see any of that. We’ll keep the boxers in boxing, and the MMA guys in MMA.”
This stance appears to be the primary obstacle preventing what would undoubtedly be a massive pay-per-view attraction. Makhachev, the protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov who famously dominated McGregor in their 2018 encounter, represents an appealing stylistic challenge for the Irishman should he continue his combat sports career.
