Nobody expected this reaction from Islam Makhachev ater Conor McGregor's loss

Islam Makhachev expressed unexpected sympathy for Conor McGregor following the Irishman's disappointing UFC 329 comeback loss to Max Holloway. McGregor's return to the octagon after a five-year absence ended in just 69 seconds when he suffered a knee injury on his opening kick, forcing referee stoppage in the opening round.

Despite the well-documented rivalry between their camps—stemming from McGregor's legendary 2018 clash with Makhachev's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov—the reigning welterweight champion felt sympathy for the former two-division champion. Makhachev expected Holloway to win but was surprised by the abrupt manner of the finish. "I know Max was going to beat him, but not fast like this, in the first minute. I want to see how he fights after five years. And honestly, feel bad when this happen," Makhachev told Complex.

McGregor remains under contract with one fight left on his current deal and has indicated he will return to competition next summer. Meanwhile, Makhachev will defend his welterweight title against Irish challenger Ian Garry at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia, adding another chapter to the ongoing Dagestan-Ireland rivalry.