UFC's Islam Makhachev Calls Conor McGregor a 'Chicken' After Photo of Toe Injury

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev called Conor McGregor a chicken for pulling out of his UFC 303 fight with Michael Chandler after suffering a broken pinky toe in training.

McGregor revealed that news on Friday.

Makhachev also offered his condolences to Chandler, who he nicknamed "Hachiko."

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Chandler and McGregor were coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31 in 2023, and this fight has been in the works for quite some time. Alas, it appears Chandler will have to wait even longer now.

It's no surprise that Makhachev has some beef with McGregor. He's been coached by former UFC champion and undefeated fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, who had a blood feud with McGregor when the two were both active.

It's unclear what's next for Makhachev, who is 26-1 lifetime and has now successfully defended his belt three times. He's done all he can in the lightweight division, and it's fair to wonder whether he'd be best deserved with a move up in weight class.

He told Zac Pacleb of UFC.com: "Honestly, I think it's my opinion, (I'm) almost done with my division because who is going to be next? Just Arman (Tsarukyan)," he said. "I already beat (him), and, in my division, I don't have some interesting fight (or) too exciting fights for me."

Makhachev's already the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighter as well, so any opponent is going to have a tough time with him. In the meantime, he's offering his opinions on other fights and foes as he considers his next move.