Conor McGregor has had several intense rivalries since his UFC debut, often using trash talk and banter to get inside opponents' minds.
His feud with Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 229 was the most notable, creating animosity that still persists between the two camps today. Despite that history, Islam Makhachev recently showed rare respect by praising McGregor's decision to return at UFC 329.
What made the rivalry so bitter was the personal nature of the exchanges before UFC 229, with tensions extending far beyond the fight itself. The hostility peaked after Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor and leaped over the cage toward Dillon Danis, McGregor's teammate, sparking a mass brawl. Makhachev was among the Nurmagomedov team members who entered the cage during the chaotic aftermath.
Ever since UFC 229, the McGregor and Nurmagomedov camps have remained at odds through public and social media exchanges. The former double champion is set to return against Max Holloway at UFC 329, marking his first appearance after five years away from competition. However, Makhachev recently welcomed the comeback and highlighted the dangers McGregor may face after such a lengthy layoff.
Yeah, It's good, It's good, big name for our sport. But he have tough opponent, Max Holloway against Conor. I think Max can beat him.
Islam Makhachev via UFC on TNTMakhachev's comments were surprising, considering he was among the first fighters to question McGregor's chances of returning. The Dagestani has repeatedly criticized the Irishman and taken several public shots at him over the years. He has also pointed to the controversies McGregor faced outside the sport after the Irish superstar made demeaning comments about Nurmagomedov's family.
McGregor has also played a major role in keeping the feud alive, frequently targeting members of the Nurmagomedov camp. The former champion has previously directed racist and demeaning insults toward Makhachev and other Dagestani fighters, drawing criticism. As a result, 'The Notorious One' remains an unpopular figure in Dagestan, where support for the Nurmagomedov team remains strong.
The Irishman became the UFC's first simultaneous two-division champion and helped bring major mainstream attention to the sport through record-setting events and global interest. Even from a longtime rival camp, the UFC welterweight champion's remarks reflect the significance of Conor McGregor's return as one of the most influential and popular figures in MMA history.
Conor McGregor's connection to BKFC goes beyond promotion, with the former UFC champion becoming a part-owner of the organization through McGregor Sports and Entertainment in 2024. Since acquiring his stake, he has become one of BKFC's most visible figures, regularly attending events and helping raise the promotion's profile through his involvement, influence, and growing presence at shows.
However, McGregor has also carried his 'Notorious' persona into BKFC, frequently making headlines with outspoken rants and for arriving late to events. His most notable move came when he publicly fired BKFC star Mike Perry after his boxing loss to Jake Paul. More recently, BKFC president David Feldman discussed how he handles McGregor's larger-than-life personality while guiding the promotion forward.
It doesn't matter what he says. People listen, right? They react to it. And that's why he's here. He's not on here to be a silent partner to take a backseat. He's on here to make noise, to create controversy, to get people talking. That's what he's with us for, and he does a hell of a job at that.
David Feldman via talkSPORTFeldman also weighed in on McGregor's return at UFC 329, emphasizing the importance of the fight as the former champion ends a lengthy absence. The BKFC president acknowledged that McGregor's focus is currently on his matchup with Max Holloway and his UFC comeback. Feldman also expressed confidence that his business partner will resume his BKFC responsibilities once the return is complete.
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