Conor McGregor pens heartfelt words for Islam Makhachev despite bitter rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Conor McGregor's rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov seemingly didn't influence his take on Islam Makhachev's UFC 284 clash against Alexander Volkanovski. Nurmagomedov's close friend, teammate and successor Makhachev edged out a closely contested decision against 'The Great' in Perth this past weekend.

McGregor did not fail to appreciate the 'Fight of the Year' worthy clash that both fighters delivered. Also impressed with Aussie fans in attendance, McGregor wished he had fought there during his prime. The Dubliner wrote on Twitter:

"That was a great fight last night lads! No loser there just winners. The Ozzie and the Ozzie’s showed out and I fucking loved seeing it! Perth looks fuckin’ tasty too, now I see why so many Irish are there. I should’ve went out, former titles on the line 🌞 congrats all at @ufc"

Islam Makhachev did not have Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner when he faced Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC 284 headliner. However, Makhachev effectively outgrappled the Australian over the course of five rounds in what was undoubtedly the toughest test of his career.

Meanwhile, Volkanovski, to his credit, proved that Makhachev is beatable, a feat few have achieved so far.

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Conor McGregor wasn't impressed with the booking of Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev proceeded to call out Alexander Volkanovski soon after his lightweight title win over Charles Oliveira. 'The Great', who was present cageside, went on to have an in-ring face-off with Makhachev, presided over by Khabib Nurmagomedov, to set up a champion vs. champion clash.

While Conor McGregor was seemingly graceful after Makhachev's fight against Volkanovski, he minced no words when the booking was first plotted. The Dubliner didn't sound very enthusiastic about the booking and predicted that it would record shockingly low pay-per-view sales.

'The Notorious' wrote alongside pictures of Makhachev and Volkanovski:

“My two old belts. On two little ticks. This fight does 10 buys,”

Conor McGregor is finally set to return to action after a long hiatus, as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter. The Irishman will feature as Michael Chandler's rival coach in TUF 31 which airs May 30 – August 15. The two will subsequently meet inside the octagon, the date for which is yet to be confirmed.