Historical past was on the road for Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. A win meant that Makhachev would surpass Anderson Silva’s 16-fight win-streak document throughout the UFC. With such an illustrious document on the road, Makhachev delivered.
Profitable a unanimous resolution over the No. 1 contender, Ian Machado Garry, Makhachev rewrote the historical past books. Now using a 17-fight win streak throughout the UFC, Makhachev has solidified himself as one of many biggest fighters to ever stay.
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The one query is the place he stands among the many greats of MMA. Listed here are the highest 5 fighters of all time.
5. Anderson Silva
A striker who was forward of his time. Silva dazzled followers and confused his opponents along with his elite footwork and artistic putting. 34 complete wins and 11 UFC championship wins all through his profession. Silva’s 11 title wins are fourth all-time.
Silva additionally holds the document for the longest UFC title reign ever. Profitable the title in 2006, Silva held it till 2013, for roughly six years and eight months.
Silva is clearly the best middleweight to grace the octagon, and he made fights look simple in his prime.
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4. Islam Makhachev
Makhachev was already one of many 10 greatest fighters ever, however his UFC 330 win places him into GOAT standing. Not solely did Makhachev break Silva’s consecutive wins document, however he turned the fifth fighter ever to defend a title in two weight lessons.
The information don’t cease there. Makhachev is probably the most adorned light-weight champion ever, holding the document for many title wins and most title defenses.
All that mentioned, Makhachev has lots extra within the tank. Don’t be stunned if he climbs larger on this record throughout the subsequent few years.
3. Demetrious Johnson
Essentially the most well-rounded fighter ever. Demetrious Johnson might end a combat in any means possible. Whether or not via putting or grappling, nobody might do something with prime DJ.
So far as information go, Johnson has lots, together with the absurd document of 11 consecutive title defenses — not title wins, however defenses. Johnson’s 12 complete title wins throughout the UFC rank third all time.
Often known as Mighty Mouse, Johnson held the flyweight title for six years. Longevity as a champion is the toughest factor to do in MMA, and Johnson did it in addition to anybody ever.
2. Georges St-Pierre
The very best welterweight to ever grace the octagon. Georges St-Pierre is likely one of the few fighters to have longevity as a champion in a single division and to carry a second title. Spending nearly six years as welterweight champion, St. Pierre held the title two totally different occasions.
The second stint was probably the most spectacular, totaling 9 consecutive title defenses. St-Pierre is one other one of many uncommon fighters who turned really elite in each putting and wrestling. Early in his profession, St-Pierre relied extra on his putting, and as he received higher at wrestling, he would swarm opponents.
St-Pierre additionally received the middleweight title after a four-year layoff. Though the middleweight reign by no means continued after beating Michael Bisping, turning into a champion in two weight lessons is nearly not possible, and it helps GSP’s case.
1. Jon Jones
Regardless of the controversies, regardless of the out-of-octagon points, there’s no denying Jones’ greatness. Jones holds the document for many title-fight wins ever with a staggering 16.
Jones’ document is 28-1-0 (1 NC), however he’s actually 29-0 if context is given. Jones by no means misplaced a combat; he was disqualified for utilizing 12-6 elbows in opposition to Matt Hamill, handing Jones his lone loss.
Jones rattled off 14 title-fight wins at mild heavyweight, after which, after a three-year hiatus, got here again and received the heavyweight title.
The heavyweight resume doesn’t evaluate to the LHW resume, however submitting Cyril Gane and knocking out Stipe Miocic in underneath 5 rounds mixed continues to be spectacular.
There are ranges to dominance, and nobody dominated like Jones.
