Conor McGregor Thinks Islam Makhachev Vs Alexander Volkanovski Would Only Pull Double-Digit Pay-Per-View Buys

Islam Makhachev was matched up against Alexander Volkanovski just moments after making Charles Oliveira tap out to win the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280. Now, Conor McGregor thinks Alexander Volkanovski needs to overwhelm Islam Makhachev with force in their potential champion-vs.-champion fight next year.

Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) won the vacant lightweight title over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. This paved the way for a fight with featherweight monarch Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) at UFC 284 on Feb. 12 in Perth, Australia.

If the bout takes place, it will be only the sixth occasion that active divisional titleholders meet in the octagon. McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), on the other hand, doesn’t appear to think the audience cares. He claimed on social media that the fight would only garner double-digit pay-per-view buys.

McGregor’s dig about the public interest around the matchup sparked a response from Volkanovski, who used McGregor’s own words against him in a retort. He reposted an old tweet of McGregor with the caption, “A former wise man once said…” Meanwhile, McGregor’s tweet read,

“Winners focus on winning. Losers focus on winners.”

The pair then exchanged a respectful back and forth on social media before Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Islam Makhachev, stepped in.

“Just watching and monitoring mate. That’s all. Happy for you in the spot tbh. I’ll be back. This is not over. You know,” Conor tweeted out. “Respect brother. Will be happy to welcome you back,” was the response he received from Volkanovski. Then Notorious replied to that tweet in his own way.

And we dance on. Good. I was in your exact spot one time don’t forget. 145 coming up. Good luck. I’d say go heavier. Rugby days. Be a bowling ball. That’s how I’d do it as you. Your condition right now as i see it, I don’t know. But bowling ball style for you for best chance.

Ali took to twitter to voice his annoyance at Conor’s insensitive remarks. Obviously, there is a lot to unpack in this situation. You can check it all out below.

What’s your take on McGregor’s words? Let us know in the comments.