Conor McGregor Bout in Boxing Teased by Islam Makhachev After Surprise Meeting with Turki Alalshikh

Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329 was expected to launch a comeback era for the Irishman’s final career stretch. However, his highly anticipated comeback ended in injury against Max Holloway after a high kick went wrong in the first round. He suffered ACL and meniscus injuries as a result.

However, Islam Makhachev has recently hinted at a potential boxing bout against the former two-division champion. The two fighters recently met with Saudi executive Turki Alalshikh, fueling interest in a matchup. Makhachev is currently preparing for his welterweight title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330.

Alalshikh has played a major role in Zuffa Boxing alongside UFC CEO Dana White and WWE president Nick Khan. The venture was formed in 2025 through TKO Group Holdings and Sela. Zuffa Boxing began its 2026 schedule with White leading the promotion, while Alalshikh remains central to its backing.

Makhachev is known for his Dagestani wrestling and combat sambo, which form the foundation of his MMA style. His striking is also underrated, with Makhachev showcasing it on multiple instances in his UFC career. Ahead of UFC 330, he revealed that Alalshikh explored a matchup with McGregor inside the square circle.

I have a new story to tell regarding McGregor. I went to a boxing event and I was with Turki Alalshikh. He called Conor. He asked Conor if he wants to box with me. Yes, that, I am down. I told him to ask Dana White who was near us. He laughed about it. We couldn’t really talk. Why not? I am not a high level boxer but I can handle myself with other MMA fighters on the feet.

Islam Makhachev via UFC Eurasia

🚨🇮🇪 Islam Makhachev reveals he and Conor McGregor had a talk with Turki Alalshikh regarding their potential boxing match:

“I was at a boxing event with Turki Alalshikh, and he asked me if I’d box Conor McGregor. I said I was down, and he called Conor.

We couldn’t really talk… pic.twitter.com/H0Aaj28AqH

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 13, 2026

The champion also discussed McGregor’s injury at UFC 329, claiming the Irishman suffered it during training camp rather than the fight. He attributed McGregor’s injury issues to his inactivity over the years, contrasting the former champion’s limited activity with the demands of competition.

Makhachev and McGregor have history dating to UFC 229 and the Irish star’s rivalry with undefeated UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The post-fight brawl intensified tensions between their teams, while Makhachev and McGregor have continued taking personal shots at each other on social media over the years.

Despite their history, Makhachev has recognized McGregor’s importance to MMA and the attention he brings. He previously said McGregor’s UFC 329 return was good for MMA because of his global popularity.

The Dagestani phenom’s comments highlighted the value of having such a major superstar return to competition.

McGregor’s connection to Ian Garry adds another layer to his history with Makhachev, as the welterweight contender has long admired the former champion.

The pair have also trained together, adding more significance to Garry’s UFC 330 clash with Makhachev. The matchup now carries another chapter in the Dagestan-Ireland rivalry.

Interestingly, Makhachev is not the only fighter linked to Conor McGregor through potential boxing plans. Former middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has also called for a Zuffa boxing matchup with ‘The Notorious One’. For Islam Makhachev, however, the focus remains on his UFC 330 title defense in Philadelphia.

Conor McGregor hilariously reveals breaking sobriety to support Hollywood A-lister

Conor McGregor has long been associated with alcohol through his public partying and business ventures. He was filmed drinking at a Dublin pub before punching a patron in 2019.

McGregor has also been seen partying frequently, including during his UFC 303 preparation in 2024 despite saying he had stopped drinking.

However, UFC 329 marked McGregor’s return after five years away from competition. Before facing Max Holloway, he revealed that he had quit alcohol while embracing spirituality and preparing for his comeback.

The UFC superstar also discussed going to rehab during his time away, highlighting the changes he made before his return.

Academy Award-winning actor Brad Pitt revealed he had resumed drinking after seven years of sobriety. He acknowledged becoming overconfident at times and said he cannot drink heavily. His admission became the backdrop for McGregor’s own comments about returning to alcohol.

I have decided to have a few pints of The Worlds Creamiest Stout, @ForgedStout in support of my fellow actor, Brad Pitt! Take it easy, Brad! @ForgedStout is a 4.2% alc, true sociable and friendly delicious beverage. Enjoy safely.

Conor McGrgeor via X

I have decided to have a few pints of The Worlds Creamiest Stout @ForgedStout in support of my fellow actor, Brad Pitt!

Take it easy, Brad! ❤️ @ForgedStout is a 4.2%alc, true sociable and friendly delicious beverage.

Enjoy safely 🙏

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 11, 2026

Conor McGregor’s self-description as an actor carries added weight after his Hollywood debut in the 2024 Road House remake.

The Irishman starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as the antagonist, Knox, marking his first major acting role. The performance opened another avenue for the Irish superstar beyond his UFC career.

Also Read:

• Islam Makhachev Vows to Greet Ian Garry’s Son After Missing Out on Meeting During First Faceoff
• Joe Rogan Thinks Islam Makhachev Retires at UFC 330 to Set up Massive Vacant Title Fight