Conor McGregor on course for grudge match with bitter rival Khabib protege Islam Makhachev if he beats Michael Chandler

ISLAM MAKHACHEV has opened the door to a potential grudge match with Conor McGregor – the rival of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.

McGregor will return to the octagon later this year for a showdown with new fan favourite Michael Chandler – which is expected to take place in the latter part of 2023.

Conor McGregor is set to return to the octagon late in SeptemberSportsfile

GettyMichael Chandler will welcome The Notorious back to the cage[/caption]

AFPIslam Makhachev – the protege of Khabib – is seemingly willing to give McGregor a crack at the title if he beats Chandler[/caption]

As well as proving he’s still a top lightweight, victory over Chandler would put McGregor on the outskirts of title contention.

And Makhachev admits he wouldn’t say no to fighting The Notorious – even though his friends and family wouldn’t it.

He told MMA Junkie: “My friends are gonna be upset if this happens.

“But I told you, if UFC calls me – I never choose someone. If the UFC calls me, I’m gonna be ready.”

Both McGregor and Chandler, 34 and 36 respectively, have only won one of their last three outings.

And Makhachev believes they should be nowhere near title talks.

He said: “Chandler vs. Conor is a good fight for MMA fans, but both guys from me where I am now, we have between us a long way,”

“This is just a good fight for the fans and that’s it.”

McGregor and Chandler will collide after coaching season 31 of the Ultimate Fighter – which will begin airing in May.

And former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping wouldn’t be surprised to see McGregor fast tracked to a title shot if he beats Chandler.

He said: “If McGregor gets it done, will we see him fight for the title next? That is a given. That is 100 per cent.

“Just prepare yourself mentally for that. Regardless of whatever you think, he’s the biggest star of the sport.

“He’s a former two-weight division champion, and he’s a person that people want to see fight.

“So if he goes out there and beats Michael Chandler, who’s one of the top-ranked lightweights on the planet, and he does so in exciting fashion.

“I’ll be honest: I’ll have no problem with him fighting for the belt.

“McGregor versus Chandler, I’m excited. Take my money already.”