Stephen A. Smith has expressed strong opinions on Conor McGregor’s potential match against grappling specialist Islam Makhachev. He asserted that McGregor has “no business” stepping into the Octagon with such a formidable opponent.
Recently, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight world title by defeating fan favorite Dustin Poirier. Makhachev won in the fifth round via submission, extending his impressive unbeaten streak to 14 consecutive victories. His dominant performance has solidified his position as the No. 1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter globally, even though UFC President Dana White might have differing views.
As the protege of Octagon legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev naturally finds a rival in Conor McGregor. In the lead-up to UFC 302, both have exchanged verbal jabs on social media and in interviews. McGregor has been particularly aggressive towards Makhachev, the successor of his former adversary, Nurmagomedov.
This ongoing verbal battle has sparked speculation that McGregor and Makhachev might eventually face off in the Octagon. Despite their different career paths, the potential for a high-revenue match could sway the UFC to arrange this match.
During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take with host Molly Qerim, Stephen A. Smith vehemently opposed the idea of McGregor competing with Makhachev. He described it as “the worst possible fight” for the Irish superstar.
Smith said: “Conor McGregor has no business being in the Octagon against a grappler, which is what Makhachev… This brother right here is something special and he’s not going to try and strike against McGregor. Just like he tried on numerous occasions to get [Dustin] Poirier to the ground [at UFC 302] before successfully doing so with that ankle wrap and ultimately getting him.”
“That’s exactly what he’s going to do with McGregor. His whole objective is going to be about getting him to the ground. I think it’s the worst possible fight we could possibly want to see in the UFC. There’s is no purpose whatsoever.”
“We should literally protest if they try to put [Islam] Makhachev in the Octagon against Conor McGregor because I believe that fight would be over inside of two rounds. He’ll get Conor to submit, it’s that simple. That’s not the fight we want to see. We want to see someone that’s going to try and knock Conor out and Conor try to knock them out. We don’t want to see a grappler inside the Octagon against Conor McGregor because chances are, it’s going to end soon.”
Smith highlighted Makhachev’s strategic approach in his previous matches, emphasizing his success in grounding opponents before securing a submission victory. He believes Makhachev would employ the same tactics against McGregor, which would lead to a swift and predictable outcome.
