Conor McGregor unexpectedly praised Islam Makhachev. “He’s better than Khabib and Cormier.”

Conor McGregor surprised fans with his comments about Islam Makhachev. The Irishman, who has been at odds with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his entourage for years, didn’t hold back on compliments for the Russian this time. What’s more, he admitted that he ranks Makhachev higher than Khabib himself and Daniel Cormier.

This weekend, McGregor will return to the Octagon after a five-year hiatus. In the main event of UFC 329, he will face Max Holloway in the welterweight division. If he wins, he may get a shot at the championship belt. Dana White hasn’t ruled out such a scenario, even though the Irishman has been relatively inactive for several years. This could potentially lead to a blockbuster bout against Islam Makhachev, who last year became a two-division UFC champion by winning the welterweight title.

McGregor: “He still has a lot to achieve”

Although McGregor’s relationship with Team Khabib has been extremely strained over the years, the Irishman offered a surprisingly positive assessment of Makhachev in an interview with Complex. When asked about the Russian’s place among the best fighters in MMA history, he had no real doubts.

– He has an incredible track record in two weight classes. Of course, he’s in the running for the title of the greatest fighter in history.

McGregor also addressed recent suggestions that Makhachev might be nearing the end of his career. In his opinion, the Russian still has many big fights ahead of him.

– He’s still fighting and still at the top, but I get the impression that the people around him are starting to talk about retirement. And yet this guy still has so much ahead of him. He should realize that and keep going with his career.

The biggest surprise, however, came a moment later. McGregor was asked to compare Makhachev to his two famous club teammates.

– I rank him higher than both of his teammates—Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

As early as next month, Islam Makhachev will defend his welterweight title for the first time. At UFC 330, he will face Ian Machado Garry. If both the Russian and McGregor win their upcoming fights, it’s possible that the UFC will try to set up one of the biggest matchups in the organization’s history.