WATCH: Conor McGregor directs ‘fighting words’ at Islam Makhachev in recent public event

Conor McGregor directed some fighting words towards the reigning UFC lightweight champion and rival., Islam Makhachev in a recent event in UAE.

WATCH: Conor McGregor directs ‘fighting words’ at Islam Makhachev in recent public event

Conor McGregor directs 'fighting words' towards Islam Makhachev (via X)

Amid increased tension, Conor McGregor directed what some are referring to as “fighting words” towards Islam Makhachev. This was during a recent public event at the IBA Champions’ Night in the United Arab Emirates. The incident occurred when McGregor stepped into the ring with former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan. This gave the evening an unanticipated dramatic element.

The video is a short one, only 30 seconds long. It shows McGregor making circles around the ring. Petr Yan is also in the ring, as is the announcer and cameramen. McGregor playfully grabs onto Yan’s shoulders, pushing him down. He then keeps walking around the ring. The highlight of the video is when Conor answers a question from the crowd. This is what he said which many believe was directed toward Islam Makhachev:

You know me, you know me. I'm ready to go anywhere, here and now I'm ready.
Conor McGregor at the IBA Campions’ Night

The past between Makhachev and McGregor adds to the significance of this encounter. Makhachev and McGregor’s longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov train together closely. There was a noticeable sense of tension because Makhachev was present at the fight, which upped the drama and intensity.

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Conor McGregor’s probable ‘fighting words’ towards Islam Makhachev have stoked talk of the two fighting in the future. In the past, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier had backed the notion of a megafight, viewing it as a symbolic rematch between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor in addition to a contest of styles.

Conor McGregor and Petr Yan have a face-off

Conor McGregor and former bantamweight champion Petr Yan had an intense face-off that took center stage during the IBA Night of Champions event in Dubai. Umar Kremlev, the president of the International Boxing Association, welcomed the two MMA superstars into the ring.

Conor McGregor faces off against Petr Yan at UAE event
Conor McGregor faces off against Petr Yan at UAE event (via MMA Fighting)

Fight fans were captivated by the Irishman’s brief but intense staredown with the former bantamweight king. There was an electric atmosphere in the arena following the unexpected confrontation. This caused a lot of rumors about a potential fight between the former champions.

In contrast to the intensity of their earlier confrontation, McGregor and Yan showed sportsmanship by embracing after the face-off. The two fighters demonstrated a great example of friendship between competitors from different weight classes.

Petr Yan hasn’t been in the spotlight since his recent defeat to Merab Dvalishvili. However, his faceoff with McGregor and subsequent embrace may rekindle interest in his career. McGregor’s attendance at the event provided an intriguing layer as he sat just meters away from Islam Makhachev. The two have an ongoing conflict dating back to the Khabib Nurmagomedov fight.

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