The GOAT controversy has dogged MMA for years, just like it has other sports. Both professionals and fans have different viewpoints. However, a select group of individuals, including UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, have constantly risen as rivals. The Dagestani’s claim to the coveted top slot was cemented by his 29-0 undefeated record during the course of his professional MMA career. In combat sports, especially MMA, going unbeaten is extremely rare. However, a lot of detractors knocked his GOAT designation, mostly because of his early retirement.
Marlon Chito Vera, a UFC fighter, recently added his voice to the debate by openly questioning Nurmagomedov’s GOAT designation on Twitter. Jon Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion, had just reached a crucial turning point in his own UFC career when this dispute started.
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In the discussion of the UFC GOAT, Jon Jones is an unavoidable figure. Jones has compiled an incredible 21-1-1 record since starting his octagon career in 2008. ‘Bones’ has now added the UFC heavyweight championship to his collection after dominating the light-heavyweight category.
The fact that Jones is the only UFC fighter to have held titles in both the 2010s and 2020s further distinguishes him from other competitors. Chito Vera recently took note of this achievement and recently tweeted his thoughts on the GOAT discussion.
Not only Vera, though; Jones himself had sometimes objected to people calling “The Eagle” the GOAT and making comparisons to him.
After defeating Justin Gaethje, the interim lightweight champion, at UFC 254 in 2020, Nurmagomedov made the decision to retire. As a result, some members of the MMA community began lobbying for him to be recognised as the UFC’s “GOAT.” Jon Jones, the then-PFP #1 UFC fighter, was not pleased with these allegations.
Jones claimed that he had successfully defended his title 14 times, compared to Nurmagomedov’s four, according to a BBC Sport report. As a result, in his opinion, the controversy over the UFC GOAT has been resolved.
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