Conor McGregor has accused Islam Makhachev's parents of being "cousins" in his latest jibe at his UFC rival.
McGregor has not fought in the octagon since last July when he broke his leg in a defeat to Dustin Poirier, but has engaged with many rivalries on social media. In his crusades online, McGregor has launched scathing insults against a number of his enemies including Khabib Nurmagomedov and his protege Makhachev.
Late last year, McGregor branded former opponent Nurmagomedov a "smelly inbred" when launching a later deleted allegation that the culture of his hometown Dagestan involves 'inbreeding'. He also aimed the brash attack on Makhachev who is from the same part of Russia, after the rising star hit out at McGregor.
Now in his latest mocking post on Twitter, McGregor wrote "The Makhachevs" with an image of what appears to be a nipple on someone's leg with the caption: "When your parents are cousins". McGregor's rivalry with Nurmagomedov which stemmed from their historic fight in 2018, has seen him take a shot at the Russian region of Dagestan during his career.
UFC star Muhammad Mokaev was also angered by McGregor' previous comments on Dagestani culture, before later backtracking after claiming he was misquoted when demanding an apology. McGregor has naturally been heavily linked with a bout against Makhachev after any chances of a second meeting with Nurmagomedov following his defeat have been ruled out by his rival's retirement.
Makhachev is considered the natural successor to Nurmagomedov's previous status as an undefeated champion, and will fight for the 155lb title for the first time against Charles Oliveira on October 22 at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Despite remaining focused on his goal of becoming champion, Makhachev believes he would "smash" the Irishman if the pair did battle.
"Honestly, I don't remember when this guy beat someone," Makhachev told reporters after a previous win over Bobby Green. "He has to come back and beat someone and then let's go, why not? I'm going to smash him like easy. Bobby Green is going to be harder for me than for him."
McGregor is eyeing a comeback to the sport after his injury and has previously responded to Makhachev's bold claim by vowing to touch gloves with his new rival. He tweeted: "I’ll fight that s***-stain [sic] makchavich, no sweat. Embarrassing g’n’p (ground and pound) the other night in my opinion. Pitiful punching and then bottles the [Rafael dos Anjos] fight after mouthing off him lol.
"Embarrassing. Watch when I come back. Same as before. Anyone. Any weight. Anywhere. Game full of s*** stains. "Full mount g’n’p and the guy bounces up not a scratch, hugging and kissing. Talking about thanks for the match etc. If that’s me there’s holes left in their head like they been smacked with a sock full of golf balls. Don’t even know where they are. Caramel butter skin strikes again!"
