Islam Makhachev believes Conor McGregor made a "smart" move by choosing Michael Chandler for his UFC comeback fight.
McGregor has yet to compete since suffering back-to-back defeats by Dustin Poirier after breaking his leg in their second meeting in July 2021. However after extensive rehabilitation, 'The Notorious' has announced he will make his long-awaited return to the octagon against Michael Chandler at the conclusion of an appearance in the UFC's coaching series The Ultimate Fighter.
It is expected the Irishman will look to pick up a return win in a bid to return to challenging at the pinnacle of the 155lb division. However Makhachev, who currently holds the crown at lightweight, believes he could have chosen a much tougher outing against the likes of Beneil Dariush or Justin Gaethje.
"McGregor is smart too,' Makhachev said during an interview with UFC legend Daniel Cormier when discussing his rival's return. "He looked at his [Chandler] fight and saw, 'This guy's going to try that, he's short and I can beat him,' and chose the small guy... 100%. I know that. He can choose [Justin] Gaethje, [Charles] Oliveira, [Beneil] Dariush or someone."
The Russian champion later added he could see McGregor hanging up his gloves if he is to be defeated for the fourth time in five fights. "It's a good fight for the MMA fans, but if Chandler wins, [ Conor McGregor ] is going to retire for sure. Make some good money and that's it... Last four fights, they have the same streak.
"They lose three times. That's why this fight is happening. For Conor, he chose a good way too... Conor everyday retires and everyday comes back to the Twitter. He [Chandler] fights crazy like he comes from the street. Now I understand why he did this. If he beats [Dustin] Poirier and [Justin] Gaethje, this fight never happens."
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McGregor is expected to return at 155lb despite a desire to fight at welterweight. Makhachev is considered to be McGregor's bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov's protege, and the pair have always been linked with a fight since the former champion's retirement.
And the pair could meet at either weight class after Makhachev hinted at moving up in the future. "I'm really happy because I fight for something new," he told MMA Junkie. "For me it's not just defences, this is my new target, to be No.1. I like this, which is why I've said many times I want to jump to other divisions.
"When you have a new target it's new motivation. Welterweight is going to happen one day, I'm going to call Dana and say 'hey Dana just put on your mind if you need somebody at 170lb I'm going to be ready'."
