GSP Endeavors To Pick A Winner In Dream UFC Showdown Between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, 'I think Makhachev has a better...'

It would have been an interesting affair had a dominant champion like Khabib Nurmagomedov may have received a challenge from an equally formidable Lightweight like Islam Makhachev. Unfortunately for the fans, destiny had them in the same corner, and now only assumptions could be made about what would have transpired had the Eagle and Makhachev squared off inside the Octagon. One of the most known faces in the world of MMA, Georges St-Pierre has weighed in on the subject and endeavored to figure out who would have fared better had they fought each other.

Georges ST-Pierre Weighs In On The Strengths of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev

In a session with Trister Gym, the former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight king singled out the strengths of both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. According to GSP, Khabib would have had the upper hand in controlling the geography of the ring and might have been better on the ground and in carrying out a takedown.

It's hard to say. Khabib might have a more solid game in terms of positioning, in terms of ground and pound, in terms of takedown.

Taking into account the prowess of Islam Makhachev, GSP rates his submission game higher than that of Khabib.

On the other hand, I think Makhachev has a better submission game. I think he's more aggressive and more opportunistic on the submission side.

To put weight to his statement, GSP highlighted Makhachev's takedown manoeuvre on Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. While risky, GSP admitted it was one of his favorite moves, particularly as the risk paid off as Islam was able to choke 'The Diamond' out.

'One of my favorite moves because when guys put a lot of weight on on their legs you try to lift them by their center line and use the golf swing so it works very well…that's risky move, it's a last resort thing.

GSP's assertion was based on witnessing the two lightweights fight, as the former two-division champion did not train either with Khabib Nurmagomedov or with Islam Makhachev. It should be noted that Khabib retired in 2020 with a perfect record of 28-0. Islam Makhachev on the other hand is an active champion and has faced only defeat in his career. Makhachev will headline the upcoming pay-per-view show UFC 311, scheduled to take place on January 18, 2025.