UFC 311 is in the books, making one thing abundantly clear. Merab Dvalishvili might just have the secret sauce to topple the mighty Dagestani empire. By grinding out a win against Umar Nurmagomedov in a five-round showdown filled with showboating and relentless pace, the Georgian didn’t just defend his 135lbs title but cemented his place as one of the all-time greats. Moreover, he sent shockwaves through a family dynasty that doesn’t take L’s lightly.

But here’s a question. Could the reigning champ push this audacity even further? Could he actually step up to face the architect of the Dagestani wrestling monopoly himself, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and succeed where so many have failed? Feels blasphemous even to ask, right? But you’re thinking about it, aren’t you? And honestly, the answer might leave you rewatching UFC 311 for clarity.

A comparison of Merab and Khabib’s wrestling to conclude who’s the king of the grind

So, Khabib Nurmagomedov! His name alone sends shivers down the spines of fighters and fans alike. The man built a career and a legacy by making highly skilled athletes look like amateurs. His sambo-based wrestling is nothing short of poetry in motion (well, for Khabib fans anyway). Once he has you on the canvas, you’re either trapped against the cage or wishing for the sweet release of a referee stoppage. Ground-and-pound? More like ground-and-drown. Retiring undefeated with a record of 29-0, will he want to round it off to a 30?

The Georgian though, is cut from a different cloth. He doesn’t aim to control you, but rather he overwhelms you. His wrestling isn’t about locking you down, it’s about breaking your spirit one relentless takedown attempt at a time. Averaging a jaw-dropping 6.57 takedowns per fight in his UFC career, ‘The Machine’ is basically the human version of a treadmill set at a max incline. You just can’t keep up, and you’re going to regret trying.

So, what happens when The Eagle’s calculated precision meets Merab Dvalishvili’s chaos? Does the Dagestani python strangle the Georgian tornado, or does the tornado leave the python spinning in its wake? Khabib is like a boa constrictor. Slow, deliberate, and merciless. Once he wraps around you, it’s lights out. His positional awareness is so sharp it’s like he’s playing chess while his opponents are stuck on checkers. You can’t out-think him, and you certainly can’t out-muscle him, because have you seen him and his training camp?

Merab, on the other hand, is a swarm of bees. Annoying, relentless, and utterly exhausting. He doesn’t smother you so much as he forces you to make mistake after mistake until you’re too tired to care. By the time you’ve defended the 37th takedown attempt, guess what? He’s shooting for the 38th.

And the defensive wrestling? Oh, it’s elite on both sides. The former lightweight champ rarely even gives his opponents the courtesy of trying to take him down even if it’s a bear on the other end. Meanwhile, Merab can scramble out of bad positions like his cardio comes with an infinite warranty. This raises an interesting thought. Could Khabib Nurmagomedov’s suffocating control lockdown Merab’s wild pace, or would Merab’s non-stop motion throw Khabib into uncharted waters? Intriguing, right?

What if they actually fought? AI has a theory

Let’s imagine this hypothetical battle for the ages. Let’s get to AI predictions, because who doesn’t love some cold, hard algorithmic honesty? According to no emotions involved prediction, it might be a bout where the underdog might have a chance. AI explains that Merab’s relentless pace and cardio would be Khabib’s kryptonite.

While Khabib thrives on controlling the fight, the Georgian’s chaotic, chain-wrestling approach would force him out of his comfort zone. And over five rounds? The Dagestani ‘might’ just run out of gas trying to keep up with the Georgian energizer bunny. Something similar to what we saw during UFC 311?

What’s even more surprising is that the current bantamweight champ’s striking volume might tip the scales. Khabib’s striking has always been functional, and effective enough to set up his wrestling, but Merab’s high output and unorthodox angles could steal key moments in the judges’ eyes. And those scrambles? Oh, they’d be endless. Unlike most of Khabib’s opponents, Merab wouldn’t just survive on the ground, because as discussed, he’d thrive in the chaos, constantly forcing resets.

It doesn’t end there. ‘The Machine’ might even put Khabib on the defensive. Yup, you read that right. AI predicts that Merab’s pace could force the Dagestani coach to wrestle backward, a scenario we’ve rarely, if ever, seen in Khabib’s illustrious career. And if you’ve ever tried running backward on a treadmill, you know how quickly things can fall apart.

Now, before you throw your device in outrage, let’s acknowledge the obvious. Khabib is no ordinary fighter. His adaptability and fight IQ are legendary. Even AI admits that if anyone could solve Merab Dvalishvili’s chaotic puzzle, it would be Khabib. But would it happen over five rounds?

In a sport where styles make fights, this matchup would be the ultimate test of control versus chaos. Khabib’s entire career has been a masterclass in domination, while Merab is redefining what it means to break an opponent. It’s not about “who’s better” but about whose style would reign supreme.

So, there you have it. AI predicts Merab Dvalishvili, will once again sustain under Dagestan pressure. The Nurmagomedov faithful might retaliate, but the rest of the community is for sure picturing how insane this fight would be and the aftermath this bout would bring in. What do you think? Could Merab dismantle the Dagestani legacy, or would Khabib remind everyone why he retired undefeated? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!