The “GOAT” debate in mixed martial arts is a never-ending one. However, Ariel Helwani wants to put an end to this situation. Khabib Nurmagomedov to be part of the talk of the greatest of all time.
Ariel Helwani made a furious rant about the UFC’s greatest of all time lists in the latest episode of her show, “On The Nose.” The journalist, who has been following the sport for more than a decade, was shocked to see fans placing 29-0 undefeated retired fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov at the top of the list over names like Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva. and even Daniel Cormier.
“The Eagle” retired from professional combat in 2020 after defending his title against Justin Gaethje for the third time. The former champion has not lost a fight in his UFC career. “Only three title defenses! You’re all out of your mind” said Helwani in his latest show. Helwani, like the other half of his fan base, believes it’s insane to compare a champion with three titles to fighters like Jon Jones, Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre.
“Just look at the numbers. See resume. How can you look at the factual evidence and compare the two?” said Helwani. The MMA reporter closes all arguments based on what could have happened or would have happened if Khabib had not retired from the sport. The discussion of many Khabib fans about the other greats on the list is that none of them are as dominant as the Dagestanian.
Is Khabib Nurmagomedov a GOAT?
“You’re all out of your mind!
…you can’t compare his résumé to Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre or even Daniel Cormier”@arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/aR8zFRIalt— No Context Ariel Helwani (@NoContextAriel) 24 November 2022
Khabib has never been cut or bled in a sport that relied on violent attacks. Despite having a more stacked resume in their careers, Jones and Silva are always ridiculed for their poor track record with steroids. The GOAT discussion has always been subjective and each to their own. Helwani clearly does not believe that an undefeated record is enough to recognize Nurmagomedov as the greatest of all time.
Read more: “Nothing More to Say” Jon Jones has released a stunning statistic that dismisses Khabib Nurmagomedov’s GOAT status.
Where does Khabib Nurmagomedov see himself on the all-time list?
While many consider Nurmagomedov the greatest of all time, the man himself does not put himself above the greats like GSP, Jones and Silva. In an interview with ESPN MMA, Nurmagomedov explained that he is not interested in forcing his name to be called the greatest of all time. Eagle admits it’s just ONE of the many wonders the sport has seen.
“I don’t want to push my name, ‘call me the best of all time.’ No. I’m one of the greatest of all time I’m on the same level as Fedor [Emelianenko]Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre,” said Nurmagomedov ESPN MMA interview. Even UFC President Dana White doesn’t think Nurmagomedov, who retired after just 13 fights in the UFC, can be called the greatest of all time.
“I am at one level. I put my name on a level. I don’t want to call this man the greatest, no. 2, it is no. 3” said Nurmagomedov. “The Eagle” is happy to be one of the best the sport has ever done. The 34-year-old also said that nothing could bring him back to fight in the octagon. Even if another fighter turns out to be bigger than him.
