Jon Jones and Nate Diaz believe Islam Makhachev has a lot of work to do to cement his legacy as an all-time great.
The UFC lightweight champion is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA today.
UFC boss Dana White believes he’s also the greatest 155lb star the sport has ever produced.
Still, two of Islam Makhachev’s peers have attempted to downplay his achievements in the sport.
Jon Jones & Nate Diaz talk Islam Makhachev
Jon Jones and Nate Diaz were recently announced as coaches for a knockoff of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
During filming for ‘ALF Reality’, the legendary UFC duo were caught on camera discussing Makhachev, who they both agree has a way to go before he’s established as a true MMA icon.
“He’s a little new in the sport still, but he has a big future ahead,” Jon Jones said about the 27-1 Russian.
Nate Diaz added: “He has a lot of work to do before [he reaches the level of Jones].
“You kept on keeping on and still are. How is it even argued?”
Jones went on to explain why longevity is the hardest thing to achieve in the UFC.
“The longer you’re on top, the more time your opponent is getting to study your footage,” he explained.
“People fixate on fighting you instead of the next opponent.
“It gets harder and harder the longer you stick around.”
What’s next for Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev quickly tapped out Renato Moicano to defend his lightweight title at UFC 311 in January.
Next up, it appears Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protégé will move to the welterweight division.
Makhachev confirmed his next opponent after watching Jack Della Maddalena dethrone 170lb king Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 on Saturday night.
“Time to become a double champion. #inshaAllah. Let’s go,” he tweeted.
By becoming a two-weight UFC champion, Makhachev will match a feat achieved by Jones.
Maybe that will be enough to elevate him in the eyes of skeptical UFC stars Jones and Diaz.