Islam Makhachev takes funny dig at Conor McGregor while talking fighters spending time in Dagestan 

UFC 311: Makhachev vs Moicano - Source: Getty
Islam Makhachev showed off his funny side ahead of UFC 322. [Image courtesy: Getty]

Islam Makhachev displayed his funny side during a recent ESPN Q&A session. The Russian faces Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and is aiming to become the new welterweight champion.

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Makhachev hails from the Dagestan region of Russia, which is known to produce quality wrestlers and grapplers. UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is another example of that, and in recent months, a running theme has been to send people to the region so that they can hone their skills.

Makhachev was provided with several names and asked who should spend time in Dagestan. The Russian was first asked about Conor McGregor, and Makhachev had a hilarious response:

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“Not allowed.”

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Check out Islam Makhachev's responses below:

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McGregor, who is considered one of the biggest names in MMA history, is a bitter rival of Makhachev’s close friend Khabib.

This rivalry culminated in a main event clash at UFC 229 with Khabib emerging victorious. However, there was a huge brawl after the fight, which led to numerous fines and suspensions for both parties involved.

Khabib retired from the sport with a 29-0 record, while McGregor hasn’t confirmed his retirement but last fought in 2021.

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Islam Makhachev also wants other stars to train in Dagestan

Conor McGregor was just the first name on a long list that was presented to Islam Makhachev.

The Russian was then asked about Sean Brady, and Makhachev didn’t think the UFC star needed to spend time in Dagestan.

However, he did say that Ian Garry needed to visit the region. Makhachev also added that lightweight star Paddy Pimblett needed to “live” in Dagestan to learn how to wrestle.

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He didn’t believe Ilia Topuria or Kamaru Usman needed to train. The first name comes as a surprise since Makhachev has been linked with a fight against Topuria. Usman, for his part, is a UFC legend and a former welterweight champion.

However, Michael Chandler, the current rival to McGregor, was advised to visit in hopes of improving his cardio.

Makhachev finished off by inviting Leon Edwards and, surprisingly, even his UFC 322 rival, Jack Della Maddalena, to train in Dagestan.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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