Conor McGregor warned Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege will settle bitter rivalry

Rising UFC star Islam Makhachev has been backed to fight Conor McGregor – and finally end the Irishman's rivalry with Makhachev's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The Russian lightweight defeated Thiago Moises in his first UFC main event on Saturday night dominating the Brazilian to score a fourth-round submission victory, and has now been linked with several top opponents including McGregor and Rafael Dos Anjos.

With big things destined for the talented young fighter, his manager Islam Magomedov spoke glowingly about a range of different next career moves with a big fight now seemingly on the way.

Magomedov believes a fight between Makhachev and McGregor would be a "dream fight" to take upon the Irishman's return to the octagon after his medical suspension.

Magomedov also wants the fight to "finish all of the leftover business between the two teams."

McGregor faces an uncertain future after tasting defeat for the second consecutive fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, and could face up to a year out of action after receiving surgery on his horror leg injury in the opening round.

He was choked out by Nurmagomedov in 2018 following a bitter feud which included the Dubliner attacking a bus on which Nurmagomedov was travelling.

The pair have often been linked with a rematch but talks never materialised after the 29-0 lightweight retired with victory against Justin Gaethje last year.

However, Makhachev is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his mentor and earn some big fights in the near future, and ESPN's Brett Okamoto also confirmed that his ideal next opponent would be Michael Chandler.

“I see here Michael Chandler, why not? Let’s go Chandler,” Makhachev said. “You come for easy fight in the UFC? No, you come from Bellator, we want to give you a hard time. Let’s do this. Chandler, if you hear me, let’s do this. You come from Bellator, I want to check your skills.”

The likes of Dos Anjos, Jake Paul and UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira have all been linked with facing the 33-year-old McGregor when he is able to return to action.

Paul labelled McGregor a 'piece of s***' after his defeat to Poirier, and looks a very viable option to take on McGregor in the boxing ring in the future with the pair frequently exchanging words.

Floyd Mayweather has also had his say on McGregor from the boxing world, repetitively trolling the Irishman for his injury that left him unable to pursue a chance at avenging his previous stoppage.

Retired UFC star Paul Felder delivered his verdict after the UFC 264 bout, slamming the 33-year-old and his antics after the fight, calling for him to step away from the UFC.

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