Islam Makhachev has revealed that Turki Alalshikh, one of the most influential figures in modern boxing, previously proposed a crossover boxing fight between the UFC champion and Conor McGregor.
According to Makhachev, the idea was discussed during a recent boxing event involving Alalshikh, with UFC CEO Dana White also present. Alalshikh reportedly contacted McGregor about the possibility of sharing a boxing ring with Makhachev, adding another intriguing name to the growing list of crossover fights that have emerged around the sport.
Makhachev confirmed that he would be willing to accept the challenge, although the proposed matchup would need to overcome significant promotional and competitive obstacles before becoming a reality.
Alalshikh puts Makhachev and McGregor together
Islam Makhachev explained that the conversation took place while he was attending a boxing event with Alalshikh. The Saudi boxing power broker asked whether Makhachev would be interested in boxing McGregor before apparently contacting the Irish superstar.
He asked Conor if he wants to box with me, Makhachev said.
The UFC champion claimed McGregor indicated that he was willing to consider the matchup. Makhachev then pointed toward White, who was nearby, suggesting that the UFC president would have to be involved in any serious discussions.
Makhachev said White laughed at the situation, while communication with McGregor became difficult.
The revelation is significant because Alalshikh has played a major role in arranging high profile boxing events involving fighters from different combat sports backgrounds. His willingness to explore an Makhachev versus McGregor matchup shows the potential commercial appeal of bringing together two of the biggest names associated with the UFC.
Islam Makhachev questions McGregor’s UFC 329 injury
The boxing discussion came alongside Islam Makhachev’s comments about McGregor’s recent UFC comeback against Max Holloway.
McGregor’s return ended after just 68 seconds when he suffered a knee injury and was unable to continue. Makhachev believes the problem may have developed before McGregor entered the Octagon rather than during the fight itself.
Everyone’s saying the injury took place in the octagon, Makhachev said. But I think he got his injury in training camp.
The 34 year old explained that long periods away from competition can make returning to intense training more difficult for athletes. According to Makhachev, the body can struggle to handle the sudden increase in workload after an extended period of inactivity.
Makhachev’s comments do not establish when McGregor’s injury actually occurred, but they provide his personal view of what may have happened during the Irishman’s comeback.
Why Makhachev is open to boxing McGregor
On paper, a boxing fight between Makhachev and McGregor would represent a dramatic change from the environment in which both fighters built their careers.
Islam Makhachev has established himself through elite wrestling, grappling and tactical control, while McGregor became one of MMA’s biggest stars through his precision striking, counter punching and left hand.
Makhachev nevertheless believes he can compete with McGregor under boxing rules.
Why not? I am not a high level boxer but I can handle myself with other MMA fighters on the feet, Makhachev said.
That distinction is important. Makhachev is not presenting himself as an accomplished professional boxer. Instead, he is pointing to his striking experience in MMA and his confidence that he could handle himself against another elite mixed martial artist in a boxing environment.
McGregor, meanwhile, already has professional boxing experience. His 2017 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. became one of the biggest combat sports events ever staged, with McGregor taking the fight into the later rounds before Mayweather stopped him in the 10th round.
That experience would give McGregor a clear advantage in terms of high level boxing exposure.
Dana White could hold the key
Despite Makhachev and McGregor apparently being open to the idea, the biggest obstacle could be the UFC.
Makhachev remains under contract with the promotion, meaning a boxing appearance outside the UFC would require the necessary approval. White’s reaction during the reported conversation therefore carries particular significance.
The UFC has previously allowed major stars to compete in crossover boxing events, but such arrangements have generally required extensive negotiations involving the promotion, the fighter and outside organizers.
Alalshikh’s involvement could make those discussions more realistic because of his influence within the boxing industry. However, there has been no confirmation of a formal agreement or event date for Makhachev versus McGregor.
A fight built around spectacle and styles
Makhachev versus McGregor would be an unusual matchup because the two fighters represent very different stages of their careers.
Makhachev remains one of the leading active MMA fighters and is preparing to defend his UFC title against Ian Garry at UFC 330. McGregor, meanwhile, is attempting to rebuild his career after a difficult period that has included injuries and long stretches away from competition.
A boxing contest would also remove Makhachev’s biggest weapon. His wrestling and grappling would not be available under traditional boxing rules, forcing him to rely entirely on his striking.
For McGregor, that would create an opportunity to compete in an environment much closer to his most celebrated skill set.
The matchup would therefore be as much about commercial appeal as sporting intrigue. Makhachev would be entering unfamiliar territory, while McGregor would return to the boxing ring against one of the UFC’s most accomplished active champions.
Is Makhachev vs McGregor actually possible?
For now, the fight remains an idea rather than an official matchup. Makhachev has confirmed that Alalshikh raised the possibility and that he is open to the contest, but no agreement has been announced.
The timing would also need to be carefully considered. Makhachev has immediate UFC commitments, while McGregor’s future remains uncertain following his latest setback.
Still, the fact that Alalshikh has already raised the possibility directly with the fighters gives the concept more substance than a simple social media fantasy.
If the UFC, Makhachev, McGregor and Alalshikh can reach an agreement, the result would be one of the most unusual crossover boxing events in recent years. For now, Makhachev’s comments have confirmed one important detail: if the opportunity becomes real, the UFC champion is interested.
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