In the world of MMA, rivalries often last longer than careers. Fighters are defined not only by wins and losses, but also by the camps they represent, the history they carry, and the grudges that never seem to fade.
That is why it came as a surprise when Islam Makhachev openly praised Conor McGregor in a recent interview.
Islam Makhachev, the current pound-for-pound number one fighter and a former lightweight champion who has now captured gold at welterweight, is known for his calm personality and no-nonsense approach. Trash talk has never been his style.
Yet when asked about Ilia Topuria, Islam unexpectedly shifted the conversation toward Conor McGregor, and what he said quickly went viral across the MMA community.
This moment stood out not just because of the praise itself, but because of the deep history between Team Dagestan and Conor McGregor, a rivalry that began years ago and changed the UFC forever.
Islam Makhachev’s Honest Take on Ilia Topuria
During the interview, the question initially focused on Ilia Topuria. Ilia is one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC today, undefeated, confident, and outspoken.
Many fans and analysts believe that Ilia’s style, attitude, and confidence resemble Conor McGregor’s rise during his early UFC days.
Islam did not completely disagree with that comparison.
According to Islam, Ilia Topuria tries to copy Conor McGregor’s way of presenting himself lf his confidence, his words in interviews, and his overall presence.
But Islam made it very clear that imitation does not mean equality.
Islam stated that while Ilia may attempt to follow Conor’s path, the gap in actual MMA skill, especially striking, is still noticeable.
“Conor Is Better” – Islam’s Clear Statement
The most talked-about part of Islam Makhachev’s interview was his direct comparison between Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor.
Islam said that if you compare the two purely in terms of MMA skills, Conor McGregor is the superior fighter. He specifically pointed out Conor’s counter-punching ability, calling it better than Ilia Topuria’s.
Counter-punching is one of the hardest skills to master in MMA. It requires timing, fight IQ, footwork, and confidence.
Conor McGregor built his legacy on this exact weapon. From his knockout of José Aldo to his finishes against Eddie Alvarez and others, Conor’s ability to read opponents and strike at the perfect moment made him special.
Islam’s words carried weight because he is not a striker who depends on hype; he is a champion who has fought and beaten elite competition at the highest level.
Everyone Tries to Be Conor McGregor, But No One Comes Close
Islam Makhachev also added an important point that resonated with many fans:
“Everyone tries to be Conor McGregor, but no one is even close.”
This single sentence explains Conor McGregor’s influence on MMA better than any highlight reel.
Over the years, many fighters have tried to copy Conor’s style, his confidence, his trash talk, his walk to the cage, and his knockout predictions.
Some have succeeded to a certain extent, but none have matched the complete package that Conor brought to the UFC.
Ilia Topuria, according to Islam, is one of those fighters who is inspired by Conor. But inspiration alone does not create a legend.
Why Conor McGregor Is Still Different
Conor McGregor did not just win fights; he changed the sport.
Before Conor, most UFC fighters relied only on performances inside the cage. Conor understood something others didn’t: fighting is also about selling the fight.
Here’s what made Conor McGregor unique:
1. Octagon Presence
Conor had a way of controlling the cage even before the fight started. His posture, movement, and confidence often made opponents hesitate.
2. Press Conference Skills
No one in UFC history used microphones better than Conor McGregor. His words created rivalries, headlines, and pay-per-view records.
3. Knockout Power
Conor’s left hand became legendary. One clean shot was enough to change the fight in seconds.
4. Double Champion Achievement
Conor McGregor became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously, winning belts in two weight classes without vacating either.
These achievements are the reason Islam Makhachev and many others still consider Conor to be on a different level.
The Khabib Rivalry and Why Islam’s Praise Matters
For years, Conor McGregor has been the biggest rival of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Team Dagestan. The rivalry between Conor and Khabib was personal, emotional, and at times chaotic.
Islam Makhachev, as Khabib’s close friend, training partner, and successor, has always been seen as part of that rivalry by default. That is why Islam’s praise feels so important.
Despite the history, Islam separated personal rivalry from professional respect. He did not talk about trash, controversies, or outside-the-cage issues. He focused only on fighting skills.
That shows maturity and honesty.
Islam Makhachev: A Champion Who Speaks With Facts
Islam Makhachev is not someone who talks for attention. His career speaks for itself.
He climbed the lightweight division with discipline and dominance. He defeated elite opponents, defended his title, and then moved up to welterweight to prove himself again.
Today, he stands as one of the most complete fighters in the sport.
When a fighter of this level praises another athlete, it is not marketing; it is respect.
Islam’s words about Conor McGregor were not meant to create controversy. They were simply his honest opinion based on fight analysis.
Ilia Topuria’s Situation After Islam’s Comments
Ilia Topuria remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. He is young, confident, and highly skilled. Islam’s comments should not be seen as disrespect, but rather as perspective.
Ilia is still writing his story.
Conor McGregor already wrote his.
Comparisons are natural in MMA, but legends are not created overnight. Ilia has time to prove himself, but Conor’s influence and achievements remain unmatched.
Why This Moment Is Important for UFC Fans
Islam Makhachev praising Conor McGregor sends an important message to MMA fans:
- Greatness should be respected, even across rival camps
- Skills matter more than personal dislike
- Legends leave an impact that lasts beyond wins and losses
This moment also reminds fans why Conor McGregor’s name still dominates conversations, even when he is not actively competing.
Final Thoughts
Islam Makhachev praising Conor McGregor is one of those rare MMA moments where honesty breaks rivalry walls.
Coming from a fighter linked so closely to Khabib Nurmagomedov, this respect carries serious meaning.
Islam made it clear: many fighters try to be Conor McGregor, but no one truly replaces him.
His counter-punching, confidence, and achievements set him apart from everyone else, including today’s rising stars like Ilia Topuria.
In a sport full of noise, Islam Makhachev chose facts over emotions, and MMA fans noticed.
Whether you love or hate Conor McGregor, one thing remains undeniable: his impact on the UFC is still unmatched, and even champions like Islam Makhachev recognize that truth.
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