MMA News Roundup: Islam Makhachev Offers Conor McGregor a Shot at Redemption, Mike Tyson Drags Nate Diaz Into Jake Paul Fight, Jon Jones Return Date Confirmed

Did you miss out on the recent updates in MMA? Well, worry not, because we have yet another edition of the daily roundup, consisting of the biggest headlines in our favorite sport over the last 24 hours. We will start with Islam Makhachev, who weighed in on a possible Conor McGregor fight. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé isn’t opposed to a clash against his mentor’s former rival.

Then we will quickly turn our attention to Mike Tyson. The boxing legend took a jibe at Nate Diaz during the press conference for the Jake Paul fight. Finally, we will sum up this roundup with some Jon Jones news as the heavyweight champ revealed when he’s going to fight Stipe Miocic.

Islam Makhachev is not saying no to Conor McGregor

The UFC lightweight champion is gearing up for his third title defense against veteran lightweight star Dustin Poirier on June 1. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev recently had an interview with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo on the duo’s podcast, ‘Pound 4 Pound’. There, the Dagestan native couldn’t seem to dodge the question about if he wished to fight Conor McGregor, and guess what? He is not opposed to a fight against the former double champion.

Claiming that McGregor is somewhat not the same fighter anymore, Makhachev stated that he would welcome that opportunity and make quick work of the Irishman. “Everybody can finish Conor 10 times,” said Islam Makhachev. “People have to be stupid to say no [to a Conor McGregor fight]. Of course, I will fight with him.” 

Now, we will have to wait and see how Conor McGregor reacts to these statements by the champion, because we all know that ‘The Notorious’ is often quick to clap back at his critics. Moreover, there is a slight chance that he could fight for the title if he can beat Michael Chandler and Makhachev is unfazed by that.

Mike Tyson name-drops Nate Diaz

Boxing icon, legend, and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson will be 58 when he makes his boxing return this July. With just two months left for the clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, they recently had a press conference, and in certain instances, Tyson and ‘The Problem Child’ got into a back-and-forth. When Paul predicted that he’d be “the last” person to knock out ‘Iron’ and finish his fighting career once and for all, the boxing icon mentioned that the 27-year-old has never knocked out a real man. Tyson even dragged Nate Diaz‘s name, whom Paul could not knock out.

“Okay, whatever. It’s hard to even really be, he’s not going to win. He can’t even knock out Nick Diaz [actually referring to Nate], Nick Diaz is 40 pounds. How he’s going to knock me out?” claimed Tyson. Although Mike Tyson mixed up the names of the Diaz brothers, everybody got the idea of what he was talking about. It sure seems like the most ferocious fighter is now in his element, ahead of his return to the squared circle.

Jon Jones’s return date is finally available

Jon Jones caused quite a stir on social media when he claimed to have the date of his return, but remained silent about it. He felt it was Dana White‘s schtick to make those announcements. However, the heavyweight champion decided to have a go at it and revealed when he will fight Stipe Miocic. Apparently, ‘Bones’ will return at the event in the same venue where he was supposed to throw down against the former 2-time champion back at UFC 295. And the date? Well, he’s coming back at the end of the year at the esteemed Madison Square Garden.

“I’m definitely not retired. Sitting on my porch sore all over enjoying some time in the Metaverse. November 9 can’t come soon enough. I’m earning it every day. Just like I always have,” Jon Jones tweeted. So it’s a done deal! But it is bad news for Tom Aspinall because the possibility of him fighting Jon Jones this year is very slim.

What are your thoughts about Jones’ comeback? Drop your views in the comments below.