Islam Makhachev talks UFC agenda to push Conor McGregor for title shot - "Everybody knows he’s not in shape"
Conor McGregor's return to the octagon will take place against Michael Chandler, after the pair face off as opposing coaches on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. There has been plenty of speculation that the former double champ could receive a title opportunity with a victory.
Islam Makhachev, who currently holds the lightweight throne, has now shared his thoughts on 'The Notorious' receiving a title shot.
McGREGOR vs CHANDLER IS CONFIRMED!!
@TheNotoriousMMA and @MikeChandlerMMA will officially coach the next season of #TUF31! https://t.co/effjf0Rg2M
During a recent appearance on the WEIGHING IN podcast, the lightweight champion stated:
"They try to make the fight, but it's not official now and I don't think Conor wants to fight because he's drinking too much, smoking all day. He just can't. TUF makes some things interesting because everybody's forgot him. I don't know when he fought last time, but if they fight, I think it's going to be 170. Maybe if he beats Chandler, they're going to try to push him and make 155. I know they want to give him title chance."
Islam Makhachev was then asked if he would face Conor McGregor for the title, to which he responded:
"Why not? Some fighters have to be stupid to say not. It's 100 percent the big money fight. Now, everybody knows he's not in shape. A** beating, make money, be happy. We'll be getting more big parties."
Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on Conor McGregor below (starting at the 22:57 mark):
While it has been announced that McGregor will face Michael Chandler in his return to the octagon, there is still no word on the weight class or when the fight will take place. The former double champ has not stepped into the octagon since breaking his leg at UFC 264 nearly two years ago.
Conor McGregor's return: Michael Chandler weighs in on accepting his opponent's demands
Facing Conor McGregor generally represents the biggest payday in mixed martial arts; the former double champ has headlined the six best-selling pay-per-view events in UFC history. Michael Chandler, who will face 'The Notorious', recently revealed that he has no issue accepting his opponents demands.
"This is the fight that I want, it's a fight that he wants, it's a fight that I think the world wants so any venue, any weight class, whenever... Obviously, people could talk about the red panty night and they talk about, 'he'll do whatever, he's thirsty'. It's like, no, I want battle grounds of epic proportions. The lights don't get any brighter and the stage does not get any bigger than fighting Conor McGregor," he said.
Check out Michael Chandler's full comments below (starting at the 8:50 mark):
Chandler added that he is not concerned with the weight class, but that he expects the bout to take place at welterweight. He further noted that he is hopeful the fight will take place at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.