Dagestani PFL Champion Thinks Conor McGregor Returning is Good After Islam Makhachev Admission

PFL lightweight champion and undefeated phenom Usman Nurmagomedov weighs in on Conor McGregor's return ahead of UFC 329.

Dagestani PFL Champion Thinks Conor McGregor Returning is Good After Islam Makhachev Admission

Usman Nurmagomedov weighs in on Conor McGregor's return (via X)

Conor McGregor’s influence in combat sports extends worldwide and continues to shape modern MMA culture. He is widely credited for the globalization of the UFC and its commercial expansion. The Irishman set the blueprint for becoming a superstar in MMA through promotion and crossover appeal. As he prepares to return to competition at UFC 329, even rivals are commenting on his comeback.

McGregor’s rivalry with Nurmagomedov escalated into one of UFC’s most intense feuds. The buildup included controversial remarks directed at Nurmagomedov and his Dagestan background. UFC 229 in 2018 ended with Nurmagomedov submitting McGregor in the fourth round. The aftermath included a post-fight brawl at the T-Mobile Arena, intensifying one of MMA’s most infamous rivalries.

Usman Nurmagomedov is the current PFL lightweight champion competing under the PFL after the Bellator merger. Usman recently made his first defense by submitting Alfie Davis in February 2026. He is part of the Nurmagomedov team system in Dagestan, led by Khabib Nurmagomedov. He recently revealed how McGregor’s UFC return is positive for MMA, citing increased commercial interest.

If Conor beats Max, it will be good for MMA. He begins to talk, and more fans are going to come back. It is what it is. He’s a star.

Usman Nurmagomedov via Home Of Fight

Usman is not the only Dagestani fighter to express positive views on McGregor’s comeback. Islam Makhachev recently stated that McGregor’s return is good for the sport. He highlighted McGregor’s influence, global fan base, and ability to elevate attention around UFC events. His comments were notable given the long-standing rivalry and public exchanges between him and McGregor over the years.

Usman Nurmagomedov also experienced his own version of the Dagestan-versus-Ireland rivalry through two fights with Paul Hughes. In their first meeting at PFL Champions Series 1 in January 2025, Nurmagomedov won by majority decision after five rounds. In the rematch at PFL Champions Series 3 in October 2025, he secured a more decisive unanimous decision victory to retain dominance.

Being commended by rivals highlights Conor McGregor’s influence in combat sports despite his past controversies and legal issues, showing how widely his impact is still recognized across MMA. However, attention now shifts to UFC 329, where he is expected to face Max Holloway in a high-profile rematch. The event will mark a major turning point in his career after years away from consistent competition.

RELATED
Usman Nurmagomedov urges humility in response to Conor McGregor’s tantrum on rival Paul Hughes

Former UFC champion believes that Conor McGregor pushed Khabib Nurmagomedov to global fame

The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov became one of the most heated in UFC history due to escalating personal and public incidents. Their UFC 229 build-up featured tense press conferences marked by verbal exchanges and confrontational moments. The feud escalated after McGregor attacked a UFC fighter transport bus in Brooklyn, an incident that led to police involvement.

Conor McGregor hints at return
Conor McGregor hints at return (via MMA Mania)

The UFC 229 event drew a reported 2.4 million pay-per-view buys in North America. Following the fight, Nurmagomedov continued competing for two more years before retiring undefeated in 2020. McGregor, in contrast, won only one of his next three UFC fights after UFC 229. This contrast has been referenced in later commentary, including recent reflections from Kamaru Usman on the rivalry’s long-term impact.

Khabib is not Khabib without Conor. He is that because of his talents and how good he was. But you needed that foe, that bad guy to vanquish, to get you there. You need to have a good dance partner to really elevate you to a certain place.

Kamaru Usman via The Pound4Pound Show

Kamaru Usman’s comments suggest that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy is strongly defined by his UFC 229 win over Conor McGregor. The victory became the defining moment of his career and global rise. It also contributed to a broader surge of fighters from the Caucasus region establishing dominance in the UFC. Many observers believe The Eagle’s career left a lasting cultural impact on MMA in the region

Also Read: