UFC insider shares eye-opening take on why Islam Makhachev is behind Khabib Nurmagomedov in the lightweight GOAT discussion, despite historic feat 

The UFC lightweight division is one of the most decorated and entertaining divisions in the promotion. So, there’s been a long debate about who has been the greatest lightweight fighter. For many, it’s Khabib Nurmagomedov, and for others, it’s Islam Makhachev. UFC analyst Alan Jouban joined the debate and shared his pick, along with a brief explanation.

Makhachev made history at UFC 311 by becoming the only 155-pound fighter to defend his title four times. He submitted Renato Moicano in the first round via a D'Arce choke to secure the victory and etched his name in the history books.

Meanwhile, ‘Eagle’ retired at the peak of his career with an undefeated record of 29-0. In his last fight, he submitted Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

In episode #17 of The Bohnfire Podcast, Jouban discussed the top 10 lightweights of all-time and named Nurmagomedov as his top lightweight, placing Makhachev below him. UFC analyst said:

“Top two list when you think about the best fighters we have ever seen who they have beaten, title defenses, dominance two names come to mind. Khabib and Islam. I think for number two on my list, I’m going with Islam Makhachev. Although he just got his fourth win, which would make him the most wins in lightweight history, I did not give it to him above his counterpart Khabib because of a couple of reasons, and I’ll tell you now.”

Furthermore, Jouban explained why he chose the UFC Hall of Famer as his No. 1 lightweight, emphasizing that Nurmagomedov lost only two rounds in his entire professional MMA career. He said:

“First off, when I look at Khabib, the dominance, right? Such a dominant champion, only lost two rounds in his entire career. Khabib, when you look at 10-8 rounds, I think he had seven 10-8 rounds. 10-8 rounds— I mean, we know what a 10-8 means. It means dominance, a clear-cut, there’s no questions asked. He had seven of those rounds throughout his career. And then I look at Islam, I think if he gets one more win, I would give it to him, no matter who it is.”

Check out Alan Jouban’s comments below (42:09):

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Khabib Nurmagomedov heaps praise on Islam Makhachev following the latter’s victory at UFC 311

Khabib Nurmagomedov, following his retirement, stepped into his late father’s shoes and started coaching. He recently was in the corner of Islam Makhachev for his fight at UFC 311.

Following the event, the former lightweight champion took to Instagram and rained praises on Makhachev as he successfully defended his title. Nurmagomedov wrote:

“Islam Makhachev has once again proven that he is the best in the world right now. I am very happy for him and the journey he has taken in this sport. In the history of mixed martial arts, very few fighters have achieved what he has achieved. Keep working my brother, this is not the limit.” (translated via Instagram)