We asked AI to predict the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 at UFC 311 (And it offered three outcomes in reply)

The Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan rematch, which headlines UFC 311, is regarded as a pivotal matchup for both fighters' respective legacies. We asked Google's AI Gemini to predict the rematch's winner, and it offered three separate potential outcomes.

Also, the AI listed three key factors -- Makhachev's dominance, Tsarukyan's evolution, and the rematch element.

It asserted that Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, boasts a monumental record -- with a praiseworthy blend of wrestling, submission, and grappling skills. It alluded that his recent performances reflect his dominance at 155 pounds.

Additionally, it explained that Tsarukyan has considerably evolved his striking and overall combat arsenal since his first encounter against Makhachev. The Georgia-born Armenian was deemed a well-rounded combatant with an unrelenting style of pressure and a robust grappling foundation.

Moreover, the two rivals have previously clashed, so the expected familiarity factor could precipitate a tactical chess match inside the octagon. Makhachev and Tsarukyan would be incredibly familiar with one another's weaknesses and strengths, making the rematch a more cautious and strategic affair.

The prediction pointed out that Tsarukyan has evolved but Makhachev's current dominance paints him as a slight favorite to win at UFC 311. Nevertheless, it was underscored that Makhachev winning isn't a foregone conclusion, as Tsarukyan's evolved striking and unrelenting pressure could prove a major threat.

Screenshot of Google's AI prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 at UFC 311

The three possible outcomes listed were: Makhachev winning via decision, Tsarukyan pulling off an upset victory, and either fighter winning via submission.

Firstly, Makhachev emerging victorious via decision was labeled as the likeliest result of the UFC 311 fight, as his supposedly better wrestling and overall grappling could give him the advantage over the course of their five-round fight.

Secondly, it was highlighted that if Tsarukyan used his striking optimally and kept the matchup on the feet, he'd have a puncher's chance of catching Makhachev with a strike(s) and dethrone him.

Thirdly, a submission stoppage in the UFC 311 fight was cited as a possibility, given that both are deft grapplers.

In conclusion, the prediction entailed that it's an extremely competitive fight, wherein predicting a clear-cut victor is tough.

Screenshot of Google's AI prediction for the Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan rematch at UFC 311

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UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 -- AI prediction echoed similar sentiments as Tsarukyan

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (26-1 MMA) defends his championship against Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA) at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, 2025. Tsarukyan entered their first encounter, in April 2019, on short notice and lost via unanimous decision. He's vowed to avenge it.

Kevin Iole recently asked Tsarukyan about that fight, recounting that Makhachev's advantage in the number of takedowns was likely the difference-maker. Tsarukyan responded by suggesting that he might not even need his grappling in the rematch.

Akin to the aforementioned AI prediction, the 28-year-old warned that he's significantly improved his striking and could finish his 33-year-old Dagestani foe on the feet:

"Maybe I don't need even one takedown. Maybe I need just one good hook, and that's it."

Check out Arman Tsarukyan's warning below (4:00):