In an alternate timeline where Islam Makhachev defended the UFC lightweight title against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 instead of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the outcome would likely have been similar to Khabib’s victory. Makhachev, known for his strategic fighting style and disciplined approach, poses significant challenges for McGregor.
Unlike Khabib, who fights aggressively and at a high volume, Makhachev is a counter-striker who relies on a kick-heavy approach, which would have limited McGregor’s counterpunching opportunities.
McGregor, who thrives on counter-striking and forward pressure, would have been hesitant to apply his usual tactics due to the threat of Makhachev’s high-level takedowns and grappling. Makhachev’s disciplined takedown techniques, in contrast to Khabib’s more explosive and distant shots, would have further complicated McGregor’s strategy.
Given McGregor’s two-year hiatus, injured foot, and self-admitted suboptimal conditioning, it is likely that Makhachev would have outwrestled and submitted him, similar to how Khabib did.
If Makhachev had taken the spotlight with a win over McGregor, he would have become one of the sport’s biggest stars. He would have likely gone on to defeat other top contenders like Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. Unlike Khabib, who retired after his father’s death, Makhachev would have continued fighting, guided by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s son, who would have transitioned into a coaching role.
In this scenario, Khabib would have had to seek opportunities at welterweight to pursue UFC gold, as he would not have fought Makhachev and couldn’t wait for him to vacate the lightweight title. This move could have led to Khabib experiencing his first loss, especially if he faced a dominant welterweight like Kamaru Usman.
At lightweight, Makhachev would have likely continued to dominate. Fighters like Michael Chandler, despite their potential, lack the fight IQ and cardio to outlast Makhachev. Chandler’s tendency to overextend would have made him vulnerable to Makhachev’s precise counter-strikes. Similarly, Charles Oliveira, who has already been decisively beaten by Makhachev in reality, would probably have faced the same outcome against a more experienced and seasoned Makhachev.
