What if a prime Conor McGregor had tested his mettle against a prime Islam Makhachev? This match would have cost the UFC CEO an arm and a leg, but the outcome of this clash would have undoubtedly changed the dynamics of the sport. Rivals from different countries facing each other on the grand stage would have been a spectacle to behold. This fight might never happen but who would have won?

Well, AI has come forward to give a hypothetical round-by-round analysis of the fight. Let’s have a look at it.

What if the prime version of Conor McGregor fought Islam Makhachev? AI prediction

Round 1-Round 2: Conor McGregor’s best chance

Conor McGregor has (or had) a piston of a left hand. His explosiveness and knockout power, combined with precision and timing made him the most dangerous striker in his weight class. The left-hand shot that slept arguably the greatest featherweight of all time, Jose Aldo, showed the MMA world, why it is necessary to fear ‘Mystic Mac’s knockout power. With an average significant striker per minute (SLpM) of 5.32, the Irish fighter has an accuracy of 45% making him a dangerous threat early on. In addition to that, his counterstriking and fluid footwork allow him to close the distance early on with clean shots.

When it comes to Islam Makhachev, things took another turn. Averaging 3.19 in takedown attempts, the Dagestani’s elite wrestling and grappling is something that will give the former dual-weight champion a very hard time. In addition to that, his 2.65 average significant strikes per minute and 59% striking accuracy would be something to look out for as well. The initial round would witness a striking match between the fighters as both of them would throw jabs, crosses, and kicks at each other.

Conor McGregor would maintain his distance and make sure that Islam Makhachev doesn’t get too near to him to attempt a takedown. McGegor’s best weapon? His years of Karate and kickboxing practice would help him to maintain the distance. But there’s one more thing – both fighters are southpaws!

McGregor did well against orthodox strikers and wrestlers who were not his size. But southpaws are a different story. Makhachev is a southpaw who utilizes body kicks rather well. McGregor prefers to use flashier moves, like spinning back kicks, and hook kicks. His favorite shot to the body? The teep kick. But against a grappler like Islam, you throw them at your own risk. Then again, McGregor opened fights against Chad Mendes and Khabib Nurmagomedov with kicks so he’s not one to hold on to caution.

As the fight moves towards the second round, McGregor’s cardio would start to wear off. It is natural for a striker to get tired considering the fact that they go all in in the initial rounds. On one hand, ‘Mystic Mac’ will try to maintain his gas tank and on the other hand, the game has just started for Islam Makhachev, who considerably has a bigger gas tank, thanks to years of wrestling.

Plus, his striking is better than most give him credit for. Yes, he too has struggled against southpaws (Dustin Poirier) and faced his sole loss at the hands of one (Adriano Martins). But that was a right check hook, and not a counter left cross like the one McGregor brandishes.

McGregor’s striking accuracy drops as the rounds progress, while Makhachev maintains a steady output, making it a dangerous situation for the Irishman if he hasn’t secured a finish by this point.

Round 3 – Round 4: Islam Makhachev fiery wrestling

By the third round, Makhachev’s control of the Octagon would start to show as McGregor’s striking accuracy and power would begin to dwindle. Islam Makhachev would likely grapple with Conor McGregor at a pace faster than the former dual-weight champion can handle. McGregor’s chances of stopping the inevitable takedowns diminish. Makhachev’s ability to control from the top position will keep McGregor stuck in neutral, preventing him from finding any rhythm on the feet. The pressure will intensify, and McGregor will struggle to find any room to land a meaningful shot.

At the beginning of the fourth round,  Islam Makhachev’s suffocating wrestling and pressure would take Conor McGregor to new depths. ‘Mystic Mac’s cardio tends to deteriorate as the fight progresses, which works in Makhachev’s favor. The Dagestani fighter would most likely maintain pressure with combinations, but it should be noted that even his cardio would be depleting faster in this round. By the conclusion of the fourth round, it would be clear that McGregor’s gas tank is no more with him and it would be a good sign to the Dagestani.

Who would finally win in the bout as per AI?

The fifth round would see both Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor in a more exhausted state. McGregor, already fatigued, will find it difficult to evade Makhachev’s takedowns or land a significant strike. The Russian’s grappling will dictate the final stretch, and McGregor’s power will be significantly reduced. The only way McGregor could turn the tide would be a hail-mary knockout, but with Makhachev’s superior cardio, pressure, and wrestling, it’s unlikely.

Conclusion of the battle: Conor McGregor would dominate in the initial rounds but as the fight progresses, Islam Makhachev would dominate the former champ. At the end of the day, the match would either end in a fifth-round finish or a decision victory for the Dagestani. What are your takes on the prediction? State your thoughts in the comments below.