Former UFC featherweight champion Aljamain Sterling sparked a debate in the MMA community by suggesting that Islam Makhachev may have eclipsed the achievements of his coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in the lightweight division. Sterling shared his thoughts during a recent episode on his YouTube channel, stating, "Islam is one of the greatest lightweights of all time, in my opinion. I think he surpasses Khabib just based on how active he's been."
Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired with an undefeated record of 29-0, remains a legendary figure in mixed martial arts. He concluded his illustrious career after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. During his time in the UFC, Nurmagomedov competed 13 times and made three successful defenses of the UFC lightweight championship, showcasing his dominance in the division.
Islam Makhachev, on the other hand, holds an impressive record of 27-1 with 17 appearances in the octagon. As of now, Makhachev has set the record for the most lightweight title defenses in the history of the UFC, boasting four successful defenses, which surpasses Nurmagomedov's three. Sterling emphasized Makhachev's track record by stating, "In terms of Khabib's run, I think Khabib had a total of 13 or 14 fights. I think Islam is already past that if I'm not mistaken."
Sterling elaborated on how Makhachev's record reflects a remarkable series of victories. He stated, "He (Nurmagomedov) had a great run. I'm just talking about the wins, the consecutive wins as a champion. I think Islam is up there. In my opinion, he surpassed him because of all the wins over the credible guys he's beaten to get to the belt and then the guys he's beaten for the belt."
The conversation around Makhachev's status as the greatest lightweight has gained traction as he vacated the 155-pound championship to pursue a new challenge in the welterweight division. This bold move is part of his plan to capture a second title, aiming to cement his legacy further in the sport. Makhachev is expected to face newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later this year, a matchup that has fans buzzing with excitement.
As the welterweight division prepares for this showdown, the debate around Makhachev and Nurmagomedov's legacies will continue to spark discussions. For many fans, the question remains: Has Islam Makhachev truly surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov? Both fighters have left an indelible mark on the UFC lightweight division, and as Makhachev forges ahead, his evolving journey could redefine greatness in the sport.
Whether Makhachev ultimately solidifies his status as the greatest lightweight remains to be seen, but his current achievements and future aspirations undeniably place him at the forefront of the MMA landscape. In a sport where legacy is built on performances inside the octagon, Makhachev's next steps will be crucial in answering the question of who stands as the greatest lightweight of all time.
