What is meant to happen when the two dominant forces of MMA world step into the cage? It’s the ultimate ‘what if’ extravaganza for the MMA community. UFC champions versus their PFL counterparts feels like a collision of parallel universes, doesn’t it?

But instead of leaving it to barstool debates, we have an opportunity to bring them to life. We have AI throwing its virtual hat into the ring with bold predictions. Get ready to play matchmaker because we’re diving into these hypothetical showdowns.

1. Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou (PFL) vs. Jon Jones (UFC)

The heavyweight division isn’t known for subtlety, and therefore this showdown would be no exception. In fact, it will do more justice than ever to the theatrics. Picture this – Jon Jones, the UFC’s golden boy and technical mastermind, staring down Francis Ngannou, the exiled knockout artist who left Dana White red-faced and seething about “fighters who don’t want to fight.” MMA drama? Check. Grueling stakes? Way off the charts.

‘Bones’ Jones has been busy cementing his legacy of late, with the “ducking” Tom Aspinall saga, and most recently steamrolling Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Meanwhile, The French Cameroonian has been making waves in the PFL, dishing out highlight-reel knockouts, making big bank, and throwing not-so-subtle shade at his former boss. His tweet, “There’s only one fight, the right fight that will multiply your blessings. #NgannouVSJones,” is a mic drop in 140 characters.

So, how does this heavyweight chess match play out? The American, ever the tactician, would lean on his bag of tricks. Oblique kicks, clinches, and maddening distance management to neutralize Ngannou’s terrifying power. The Predator, on the other hand, has one simple game plan. Land that punch. Just that one game-changer move is all he needs.

The result? Jon Jones takes it via unanimous decision, playing it safe and methodical. While the fans might grumble about the lack of fireworks, the #2 P4P UFC fighter would walk away with his legacy intact, leaving Ngannou to plot his next move.

2. Light Heavyweight: Impa Kasanganay (PFL) vs. Alex Pereira (UFC)

This matchup might just be the definition of clash and contrast. On one side, you’ve got Impa Kasanganay, the relentless grinder who thrives in the trenches, known for turning chaos into opportunity. On the other, our very own Alex Pereira. A human with fists forged from stone and a knack for rewriting the rules of violence.

Pereira’s rise from his back and forth with Israel Adesanya to dominating as a light heavyweight feels straight out of a blockbuster movie. But ‘Tshilobo’ Kasanganay isn’t here to play a supporting role. His grappling-heavy arsenal could disrupt Poatan’s striking symphony. But that is only if he can close the distance and survive long enough to execute his game plan.

But can the Brazilian’s takedown defense hold the line? Spoiler alert, AI bets on “yes.” The 37 year old’s evolution as a mixed martial artist has been undeniable, and his unmatched striking pedigree tips the scales in his favor. Alex Pereira by 2nd-round TKO – do you hear the “chama” cheers? A perfectly-timed counterstrike spells lights-out for Kasanganay, leaving the crowd in awe of the UFC champ’s lethal precision.

3. Welterweight: Magomed Magomedkerimov (PFL) vs. Belal Muhammad (UFC)

This one’s for the purists – the fans who live for the subtle chess matches in MMA. Magomedkerimov’s elite grappling collides with Belal Muhammad’s relentless pace and suffocating pressure. Get ready for a strategic war of attrition.

In fact, if you recall, ‘Remember the Name’ climbed up the UFC welterweight ladder, fueled by cardio that doesn’t quit and a fight IQ that turns chaos into control. Meanwhile, the Russian brings a well-rounded game that seamlessly blends wrestling and striking, keeping his opponents in a constant state of uncertainty. But the burning caveat is Magomedkerimov’s calculated, methodical style may not hold up against the relentless grind the American brings to the cage. And therefore it’s another win for UFC as Belal Muhammad takes it via unanimous decision, outworking Magomedkerimov in a high-paced, cerebral battle that leaves the hardcore fans nodding in approval.

4. Lightweight: Usman Nurmagomedov (PFL) vs. Islam Makhachev (UFC)

Two Dagestani warriors. One cage. You can already hear the crowd buzzing because this wouldn’t just be a fight, it’d be a grappling masterclass for the ages. Islam Makhachev, the heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s throne, has cemented himself as the ultimate lightweight enigma. His relentless pressure and unrivaled control make opponents feel like they’re fighting quicksand. But across the cage stands Usman Nurmagomedov, the PFL champion and a true Nurmagomedov by blood. Bringing home another win in the Irish-Dagestan feud-filled bout, Usman isn’t just another grappler. He brings striking finesse and submission creativity, making him an unpredictable threat.

So, could Usman’s versatility throw a wrench in Islam’s game plan? Maybe. But Makhachev’s experience against elite competition gives him the edge. Verdict? Islam Makhachev grinds out a unanimous decision, proving once again why he’s Dagestan’s crown jewel and perhaps even staking his claim to a legacy that surpasses Khabib’s.

5. Featherweight: Jesus Pinedo (PFL) vs. Ilia Topuria (UFC)

If it’s fireworks you want, this matchup doesn’t just deliver, it explodes. Jesus Pinedo’s sharp striking and iron chin clash head-on with Ilia Topuria’s ferocious, well-rounded arsenal.

‘El Matador’ has been a wrecking ball, dismantling opponents mentally and physically with his unrelenting aggression. But don’t count out ‘El Mudo’. The PFL standout thrives in chaos, with his reach and striking precision posing a serious early challenge for the UFC star. That said, the Georgian’s ability to adapt and mix things up would eventually tip the scales. The verdict? Ilia Topuria wins via TKO in Round 3, pounding his way through the Peruvian’s defenses with a relentless ground-and-pound clinic.

As juicy as these matchups are, the business of MMA doesn’t play nice. Dana White isn’t exactly known for collaboration, and the PFL seems content blazing its own trail. Still, the thought of Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou or Islam Makhachev vs. Usman Nurmagomedov is pure adrenaline for fight fans. Could AI’s predictions one day come true? Maybe. Will these fights ever happen? Probably not.

But hey, isn’t that the beauty of MMA fandom? We can dream, debate, and argue endlessly about these hypothetical wars. So, who’s your pick to rule these fantasy showdowns? Let us know in the comments below!