Makhachev in two divisions and “President” McGregor - an era of superfights and political hype
The year 2025 has reshaped MMA history: Islam Makhachev leaves lightweight to conquer welterweight, while Conor McGregor drops his presidential bid to stage a UFC comeback. Explore Makhachev’s rise, McGregor’s transformation, and the superfight that could redefine the sport.
2025 in mixed martial arts (MMA) has become a real revelation for sports fans - from historic champion moves to the political ambitions of legends. Islam Makhachev, dominant at lightweight, vacated the title and is rushing to welterweight, where he may face Conor McGregor - the Irishman who just withdrew from the presidential race in Ireland in favor of returning to the UFC.
The potential superfight Makhachev vs. McGregor is not just hype but a chance to rewrite history: a Russian grappler against an Irish showman. In this detailed article we will break down Makhachev’s path, McGregor’s evolution, weight class comparisons, expert opinions and the impact of this event on the industry. We have checked all facts for relevance as of September 2025, relying on official sources from the UFC, ESPN and fresh news.
Islam Makhachev. The path to the UFC championship
Islam Makhachev is the embodiment of the Dagestani school, from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s pupil to king in the pound-for-pound rankings. Born October 27, 1991 in Dagestan, Makhachev began his career in 2007, building his record in regional promotions. He debuted in the UFC in 2015 at UFC 187, losing to Adriano Martins (the only loss in the UFC), but quickly got back on his feet. A streak of 13 wins in a row, reigning at lightweight.
The key moment - UFC 280 (October 2022), where he captured the title by making Charles Oliveira submit. Then came defenses: over Oliveira (UFC 294, 2023), Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 294, knockout), Dustin Poirier (UFC 302, 2024), Volkanovski again (UFC 304, 2024).
By August 2025 Makhachev has a streak of 15 wins with 10 finishes, a 26-1 record. He left lightweight in August 2025 to move to welterweight (77 kg), motivated by an easier preparation process: less weight cutting, more strength.
Now he is a welterweight title challenger against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York. Makhachev does not rule out a return to 70 kg: “This is not the end, just a pause.” His style is wrestling with control, among the confirmed arsenal are 11 submissions, 8 knockouts or technical knockouts, only 1 decision.
Move to welterweight - risk or masterstroke
Makhachev’s move to welterweight is one of the most discussed in 2025. There are plenty of risks: welterweight is an elite of strikers like Leon Edwards, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev. Makhachev (height 178 cm, reach 179 cm) is shorter and lighter than the top fighters at 77 kg (average height 183 cm), where speed and striking prevail over wrestling. Plus age - at 33 weight cutting to make 70 kg was tough, but at 77 kg he may lose mobility - experts note that wrestlers like him have a harder time in a heavier division.
But the genius lies in the longer-term strategy. Makhachev has completed his era at lightweight (Ilia Topuria is the new champion after UFC 311 in January 2025), and now aims for the status of a two-division champion like McGregor or Jon Jones.
He went through bulking up more easily (he added 5–7 kg of muscle), fewer injuries, more finishes - he explained: “At 77 kg I will be fresher, without extreme cutting.” If he defeats Della Maddalena (18-2, new champion after UFC 316 in July 2025), he will enter history as the third fighter with titles at lightweight and welterweight. Risk or reward: 60 or 40 in favor of genius, according to most leading analysts.
Among Makhachev’s potential new opponents in the welterweight division (77 kg) there are a number of notable fighters. The division is quite chaotic - 5 champions in 5 years. The belt is now with Jack Della Maddalena (18-2, striker, title since July 2025, UFC 316). The main contenders among opponents: Khamzat Chimaev (14-0, injuries), Belal Muhammad (ex-champion), Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0). It is hard for Makhachev (178 cm) against tall (183 cm) strikers, but his wrestling can surprise everyone.
The story of Conor McGregor: from UFC star to businessman and “president”
Conor McGregor is a true living MMA icon, born July 14, 1988 in Dublin. He debuted in the UFC in 2013, titles at featherweight (UFC 194, 2015 against José Aldo) and lightweight (UFC 205, 2016 against Eddie Alvarez) - the first simultaneous champion in two weight classes. The peak came in 2016–2018, with 4 belts won (2 in the UFC and 2 in boxing against Mayweather). The last fight - UFC 264 (2021, broken leg against Dustin Poirier).
After finishing his fighting career came business: Proper No. Twelve whiskey (sold for $600 million in 2021), the August McGregor clothing line, investments in cryptocurrency. By 2025 net worth is about $200 million. McGregor also recently showed political ambitions. In January 2025 he announced a presidential campaign in Ireland (“Conor for president to save Ireland”), promising “the best year in modern history” with a return to the UFC and the White House. But on September 15 he personally withdrew from the upcoming elections: “Family and the UFC are more important,” with the focus at the moment on returning to the Octagon. There is a feeling that the withdrawal from the election is a tactical move, but he remains an activist: “Ireland first.”
Also an interesting point, Conor even managed to organize a business with Donald Trump Jr.: a new project in the whiskey segment, announced in September. McGregor is a master of hype: 30+ million followers across all social networks, but injuries and scandals (lawsuits on various charges, on all counts he was acquitted) slowed his career and a quick return to the familiar Octagon.
McGregor’s return is the main intrigue of 2025. After Dana White’s words (“Conor is motivated”), he confirmed: “Definitely coming back” at a UFC event at the White House in the summer of 2026 (the 250th anniversary of the USA, on the South Lawn). “This is my event” - a fight on the White House lawn with Trump sitting in the VIP section. Possible opponents: Michael Chandler (postponed UFC 303), Nate Diaz for the third time or... Makhachev at welterweight. He also had plans for the reality show “The Mac Life 2.0” and a collaboration with WWE.
Experts’ reaction to the potential superfight of the year
The Makhachev vs. McGregor superfight is “very possible” at welterweight, according t insiders. Joe Rogan spoke in his style - “Epic, wrestling versus striking, Makhachev a 70 o 30 favorite.” Daniel Cormier: “McGregor at 37 is vulnerable, but the hype will blow up pay-per-views.” Chael Sonnen: “If the fight takes place at the White House it will be legendary.”
How this will affect UFC ratings, pay-per-views and bookmaker odds
Obviously the superfight is a gold mine. UFC 229 pay-per-views (Khabib vs. McGregor) brought 2.4 million buys ($180 million). For Makhachev vs. McGregor it is forecast to sell 3+ million pay-per-views, which is a 30% ratings boost (ESPN+ 10 million viewers). And the fact that the event will take place at the White House fuels global interest by 50%. Plus sponsorship from brands associated with Trump and beyond.
The evolution of MMA in 2025 - trends, new names, records, hype
2025 is a year of breakthroughs - growth even in women’s MMA (Kayla Harrison is the heavyweight champion), AI fight analysis, globalization (the UFC in Saudi Arabia took place three times). New names are appearing en masse. Rising fighters - Roman Kopylov (middleweight, 15-1), Shara Magomedov (undefeated), Erin Blanchfield (flyweight).
20+ undefeated fighters lost their status (for example, Bo Nickal was broken at UFC 315). Georges St-Pierre’s takedown record (Aspinall 50+), Anderson Silva’s winning streak (Chimaev 14-0). Topuria on the contrary received the banner “Fighter of the Half-Year,” Harrison - Breakthrough of the Half-Year. There is also a trend toward a higher number of finishes (65% of fights) and the integration of ultra-popular Brazilian jiu-jitsu with striking
In the end the main weapon of MMA is hype. McGregor gained 10 million views with a post about the White House. Makhachev responds to trash talk (for example, Rafi: “Train more, talk less”). 70% of all the buzz comes from social media, which Dana White actively encourages.
Forecast. Who will become the symbol of MMA in the next decade?
Makhachev is our favorite. If he captures welterweight he will ascend the podium like Khabib 2.0, a symbol of discipline and determination. Conor McGregor is the legend of the 2010s, that is the previous generation of fighters. He is the man who made the UFC a global show. His titles at featherweight and lightweight, charisma and trash talk brought billions of dollars to the industry. But in 2025 he is 37, and after the 2021 injury (broken leg against Poirier) and a long layoff his form is in question. He promises to return in 2026 at the White House event, and fans believe it: his social media posts collect millions of views.
However at 40+ it is difficult to compete with young fighters, and his legacy is more likely in the further development of the show: he is already a businessman with a $200 million fortune, not only a fighter. Meanwhile new stars are emerging. Ilia Topuria (16-0, lightweight champion) is charismatic, with a global fan base, he is already the face of the UFC.
Khamzat Chimaev (14-0) is a monster who finishes everyone despite injuries. Tom Aspinall rules heavyweight, breaking records. ESPN is backing Makhachev as the symbol of the 2030s: if he takes the welterweight title (UFC 322 against Della Maddalena), then with 3+ titles he will become the greatest. The Makhachev vs. McGregor superfight in 2026 could bring 3 million pay-per-views, raise UFC revenue to $2 billion and open a new era, so everything is still ahead.
Anita Kapoor
