It’s a sad fact that two of the best lightweights in MMA history will never fight each other.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in October 2020 after choking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
In doing so, he paved the way for his teammate, Islam Makhachev, to become the most dominant 155lb champion in UFC history.
At just 36 years old, a Khabib Nurmagomedov comeback is possible, on paper. Unfortunately, the 29-0 phenom has ruled out ever returning to MMA – but even if he did a fight with his long-time friend would never happen.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Islam Makhachev simulated
A video game prediction is sadly the closest we’ll ever get to knowing how Khabib vs Islam would go.
One intrigued fight fan recently matched the Russian duo up on UFC 5 and simmed the fantasy fight.
As you’d expect, the two legends shared a very high level scrap that went the full 25-minute distance.
It was a fight filled with impressive back-and-forth grappling, but there was a very clear winner.
Nurmagomedov was dropped and cut by Makhachev, who defended his lightweight title in style.
Ultimately, all three judges scored the bloodbath fight 49-46 in his favor – but no one will ever truly know who would win if Nurmagomedov and Makhachev put their friendship to one side for a mega-money clash.
What’s next for Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev choked out Renato Moicano to set a new lightweight defense record at UFC 311 in January.
It’s currently unclear who will be his next opponent as there is no obvious number one contender at 155lbs.
Ilia Topuria recently vacated the featherweight belt and announced his intention to move up a division.
A fight between Makhachev and Topuria is arguably the biggest that can be made in MMA this year.
However, Justin Gaethje’s UFC 313 win over Rafael Fiziev has put him in line for a shot at the champion.
Only time will tell who the pound-for-pound best UFC fighter will be matched up against next.
There’s just one thing that is certain, Makhachev will never square off with Nurmagomedov inside the Octagon.