Islam Makhachev's GOAT Status Debated as Rivals Target

Islam Makhachev's dominant run as UFC welterweight champion is fueling a major debate about his legacy. After his 17th straight win at UFC 330 in late 2025, analysts and rivals are now measuring his career against the sport's immortals.

Is Islam Makhachev a top-five UFC GOAT?

Former double champion Henry Cejudo believes Makhachev has entered the elite tier. Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, Cejudo placed the Russian fighter in his personal top five. He ranked Jon Jones, Demetrious Johnson, and Anderson Silva ahead of Makhachev, but suggested he might now be ahead of Georges St-Pierre. Cejudo's reasoning pointed to St-Pierre's move to middleweight, which he called a cherry-pick.

Analyst Michael Chiesa went a step further. He argued Makhachev has surpassed St-Pierre and deserves a spot on MMA's hypothetical Mount Rushmore. Chiesa noted that while St-Pierre fought once at 185 pounds, Makhachev has now fought twice at welterweight and plans to stay there. His proposed Mount Rushmore included Demetrious Johnson, Islam Makhachev, Georges St-Pierre, and Daniel Cormier.

Can Arman Tsarukyan break Makhachev's lightweight records?

Arman Tsarukyan is setting his sights on the record books Makhachev left behind. The lightweight contender, who lost to Makhachev in 2019 and missed a title shot due to injury in January 2025, now has a clear goal. He wants to claim the 155-pound belt and then defend it at least five times. Makhachev set the lightweight benchmark with four title defenses before vacating the belt to move up.

Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026. A win could set up a title fight with current champion Justin Gaethje, who stunned Ilia Topuria in June 2026. Tsarukyan expects Topuria to work his way back for another shot, creating a new era at lightweight shaped by Makhachev's shadow.

Why does Jason Jackson think the UFC is avoiding him?

Former Bellator champion Jason Jackson claims he is being kept out of the UFC because he could disrupt Makhachev's division. Jackson, 35, says he can beat the welterweight king. He bases this on his training sessions with Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev defeated at UFC 330. Jackson claims he handled Garry with ease and also handed Yaroslav Amosov his only career loss. He believes Amosov is a better fighter than Makhachev.

The Jamaican fighter argues the promotion fears he would turn the welterweight division on its head. He wants a UFC contract but believes his age and potential impact are working against him.

How is the Dagestani fanbase affecting Makhachev's reputation?

The behavior of some Dagestani supporters is drawing criticism that indirectly touches Makhachev's circle. Analyst MMA Guru recently blasted the fanbase as the worst in the sport. He cited their online attacks on Jack Della Maddalena's wife after Della Maddalena lost to Makhachev. The fans reportedly flooded her social media with mocking gifs.

MMA Guru stated the fanbase "galavant around the sport, winning winning, winning, never being on the receiving end." He argued they need to know what criticism feels like. This controversy highlights the intense, sometimes toxic, atmosphere that surrounds the success of fighters like Makhachev and his teammates.

• GOAT Debate: Henry Cejudo and Michael Chiesa both place Islam Makhachev in the all-time top five, with Chiesa saying he has surpassed Georges St-Pierre.
• Record Chase: Arman Tsarukyan aims for five lightweight title defenses to break the record of four set by Makhachev.
• Welterweight Threat: Jason Jackson believes the UFC won't sign him because he could beat Makhachev and upset the 170-pound division.
• Fan Backlash: Analyst MMA Guru criticizes the Dagestani fanbase for toxic behavior following Makhachev's victories.