UFC has announced its news P4P GOAT list and Khabib Nurmagomedov has jumped over Jon Jones to acquire the number 1 position.
Khabib won his last fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 and achieved an unbeaten winning streak of 29 wins. Reacting to this achievement, Khabib stated:
“It was work of my life, I never got anything easy, and nothing was given to me because I’m nice guy. Hard work, hope for Allah and patience, this three ingredient helps me to get successful, and of course, control and advises from my father, who invested in me a lot of time and work.”
Is Khabib Nurmagomedov the true GOAT?
After 29 victories in MMA, the greatest lightweight of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov has announced retirement from the sport. He has dominated the UFC lightweight division and beaten every challenger convincingly.
No other fighter in MMA has been more dominant than Khabib Nurmagomedov. Though Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre have an impressive resume than Khabib they were not as dominant as Khabib throughout their career.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has lost only one round in his entire career. But, Georges St-Pierre has 2 losses in his record. Jon Jones has had a few controversial wins in his career. Many still believe that Jones lost to Dominick Reyes. If we only consider the level of dominance one has shown in their career then Khabib Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly the greatest fighter of all time.
However, if we consider skillsets, the level of opponents one has fought against, the championship reign one has in his career, and achievements then Khabib Nurmagomedov is not the GOAT.
Georges St-Pierre has 13 title defenses and he has won titles in two different divisions. He too was dominant at the welterweight division throughout his career and is widely considered the GOAT. Similarly, Jon Jones has fought legends over multiple generations and has the most number of title defenses to his name in the history of the sport.
However, UFC recognizing Khabib Nurmagomedov as the P4P GOAT is something that the Russian deserves. He has been a tremendous role model in the sport and his legacy will be something that will be cherished for the generations to come.