Islam Makhachev just produced a sparkling performance at UFC 311 against Renato Moicano, but was it enough for the Russian to solidify his status as the best lightweight the UFC has ever seen in the eyes of Dana White?
The Dagestani made his fourth world title defense in front of a raucous crowd at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, USA.
Dana White says Islam Makhachev is the greatest lightweight in UFC history
Since the sport’s inception, the lightweight division has produced an array of legends, from Conor McGregor to Charles Oliveira.
However, in recent years, no one has been able to carve out a legacy quite as impressive as Khabib Nurmagomedov — until now.
In 2020, ‘The Eagle’ walked away from the sport, opening the door for his good friend, Islam Makhachev, to reign supreme.
The gifted grappler has excelled, destroying every opponent in his path, most recently dismantling Renato Moicano with a first-round brabo choke.
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The victory sent shockwaves through the sport, with many confessing that this man may be the best competitor the 155-pound division has ever seen.
Even Dana White claimed that, in his opinion, the sambo practitioner has cemented his status as the lightweight GOAT.
During the UFC 311 post-fight press conference, the entrepreneur said: “100%, there’s no doubt about it. He’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and he’s definitely the greatest to ever do it in that division.”
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While Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have both scaled the lightweight mountain, they’re not the only warriors with a right to the number one spot.
Before the days of the Dagestani takeover, there were a plethora of icons that made the sport what it is today.
Prior to the contest on Saturday evening, a UFC fan favorite claimed there’s one fighter in particular who deserves to be called the GOAT.
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