Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov will clash for the lightweight title in the headline slot of UFC 229 in what is expected to be the biggest fight in the promotion’s history.

We’ve enlisted the expertise of UFC gym head coaches Kryzsztof Soszynski and Fabiano Silva alongside Sport360 writers Alex Rea and Dan Owen to best gain an understanding of what how the main event may play out.

Here’s what the panel think…

WILL RING RUST BE AN ISSUE FOR CONOR McGREGOR?

McGregor hasn’t fought since defeating Eddie Alvarez in November 2016

AR: Dominick Cruz once said there is no such thing as ring rust and it’s hard to disagree with him. It’s a sign of weakness and few possess McGregor’s mental fortitude.

DO: Being out of the Octagon for so long would impact most, but McGregor is such a consummate pro he is unlikely to suffer and he looks in incredible shape.

KS: Yes a little bit but he’s an entertainer so he’ll be ready for the fight, he might gas out anyway as that’s what we’re used to seeing with McGregor.

FS: For sure, but he’s got a big team and his mentality is always on point. What’s more likely to trouble him is Khabib’s intensity because he is absolutely relentless.

IS KHABIB AN UNDERRATED STRIKER?

Khabib in action against Al Iaquinta last time out

AR: Underrated, probably not but that doesn’t mean he’s not awkward. His entries look practically amateur yet therein lies a potential issue for McGregor.

DO: Khabib is solid with his hands as eight stoppage victories suggest, admittedly the bulk of these through ground and pound, but his ability to stifle strikers on the feet is what has been even more impressive than his own attacking ability.

KS: I don’t think so, it’s not his game and never has been. The way he moves is all wrestling-related. He certainly won’t be looking for a knockout on the feet put it that way.

FS:  Well, Khabib needs to pretend he’s going to go toe-to-toe on the feet with Conor, he’d be stupid to actually try and match him for striking when he’s such an elite grappler.

IS THIS THE MOST IMPORTANT FIGHT IN UFC HISTORY?

UFC President Dana White

AR: Undoubtedly. It’s been a barren two years without McGregor in the Octagon and without Ronda Rousey, MMA needs the Irishman to stick around.

DO: No. That honour still goes to Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar in the The Ultimate Fighter season one finale opening the sport up to a mass audience.

KS: It’s not the biggest card but yes it’s the biggest fight ever. They hate each other and also Jon Jones is coming back who can be the next star of the UFC.

FS: I don’t think it’s the biggest fight in the sport’s history but they have done a great job in hugely hyping up the bout. It’s the biggest fight of the year for sure. In history? Maybe not.

IF YOU WERE IN THEIR CORNERS, WHAT WOULD YOU BE SAYING?

Conor McGregor works out with his head coach John Kavanagh

AR: For McGregor; trust his superior speed and be efficient. If he goes into this fight thinking he can smack Khabib out in one, he’ll tire very quickly.

DO: For Khabib; Controlled aggression is key. He needs to rush McGregor but not to an extent where he dives in recklessly – we all remember what happened to Jose Aldo.

KS: For McGregor; keep your distance and look for shots right down the middle, use your uppercuts and hooks as Khabib comes in to finish him off.

FS: For Khabib; move your head a lot and step outside his leading leg all the time because they mirror each other so he’s got to move away from the power hand.

PREDICTIONS

AR: McGregor KO Round 1

DO: McGregor TKO Round 2

KS: McGregor KO Round 2

FS: Khabib TKO Round 4