Islam Makhachev is one of the top contenders on the UFC roster. The Dagestani champion has defended his title thrice and now has plans to conquer another division on the world’s biggest MMA platform. As such, who does Islam Makhachev think to be the greatest fighter of all time? Does he consider himself in that list? Interestingly, one of the top contenders for that title in UFC history, Jon Jones did not make that list.
In a recent interview before UFC Abu Dhabi, Islam Makhachev named several fighters he considers the greatest of all time. He specifically mentioned Khabib Nurmagomedov, Anderson Silva, and Georges St-Pierre as some of the best to ever compete in MMA.
I have couple of them you know. Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre, Khabib, Anderson Silva.
Islam Makhachev before UFC Abu Dhabi
Jon Jones is definitely on top of UFC CEO, Dana White’s list of greatest fighters of all time. But the entire back and forth between Jones and Makhachev for the #1 pound-for-pound fighter position in the promotion has led to a huge debate in the MMA community.
Last year, the Dagestani replaced Jon Jones’s long-held position as the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the UFC roster. Recently, Alex Pereira surpassed Jones too, pushing him down to #3 on the list, much to the dismay of the UFC’s head honcho.
Who is Islam Makhachev’s favorite fighter?
During the same interview in Abu Dhabi, Islam Makhachev was asked about his favorite fighter. The Dagestani named the former UFC lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar. Makhachev has expressed deep respect and admiration for Edgar.
Frankie Edgar (Image via X)Edgar himself has acknowledged Makhachev’s skills, noting that the current UFC lightweight champion is incredibly talented. The Dagestani did a training session with Edgar and his kids before he fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.
Frankie Edgar, but I don’t want to fight him.
Islam Makhachev before UFC Abu Dhabi
Frankie Edgar, known as “The Answer,” is one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history. He was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024. Edgar compiled a record of 23-11-1 across 35 professional fights. He is best known for his time as the UFC lightweight champion when he defeated BJ Penn in 2010.
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