UFC will book Conor McGregor vs. Islam Makhachev if the Irishman wins next fight, predicts veteran lightweight
Conor McGregor has long been viewed as the biggest attraction in mixed martial arts. 'The Notorious' captured the imagination of every MMA fan in the world as he took over the UFC one fight at a time.
Despite his level of activity having dropped off significantly over the past seven years, he remains the star attraction in the sport. This is the reason why UFC veteran Beneil Dariush thinks McGregor could be granted a UFC title fight if he wins his upcoming bout against Michael Chandler.
Dariush has been a title contender for several years but has never fought for the belt. The general consensus is that he will be next in line, but Dariush believes that if 'The Notorious' competes by June 2023 and wins his fight, he will face Islam Makhachev next.
The lightweight contender was recently interviewed by Submission Radio and said this:
"If [McGregor] ends up fighting, let's say in June, if McGregor fights June and wins he's number one. Easily. Even if I beat Charles [Oliveira]."
Watch the interview below from 17:25:
Beneil Dariush confirmed that he received a contract to fight Charles Oliveira next during a recent interview with MMAJunkie. But he isn't convinced a win over the former lightweight champion will be enough to sway the UFC should Conor McGregor defeat Michael Chandler within a certain timeframe.
McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov's intense rivalry will no doubt be used as a selling point by the promotion should 'The Notorious' win against Chandler. Islam Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have been close friends and training partners since childhood, and Dariush thinks that would be impossible to ignore.
Conor McGregor shares first thoughts on Michael Chandler fight
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were recently announced as coaches for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. The pair of lightweight stars will face off at the conclusion of the season in a highly anticipated clash.
'The Notorious' has not competed for almost two years after sustaining a broken leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. But it appears that the injury has not hampered the Irishman's ability to throw kicks, according to a recent interview with All Out Fighting.
Conor McGregor previewed his upcoming bout against Chandler and said:
"Looking forward to it. [I] feel good, feel energetic, feel ready. I'm throwing my high kicks faster than I'm throwing up my jab. So I'm very excited to get back."
Watch the interview below: