Khabib Nurmagomedov’s victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 further boosted his claim to be UFC’s GOAT.The Russian successfully defended his UFC lightweight title for the third time when he forced Gaethje to submit in the second round.Nurmagomedov was never beaten in his MMA career and only lost two rounds in the UFC. He competed in 60.The manner in which he dispatched his opponents certainly leaves the 29-0 star in the conversation to be the greatest of all time.He was completely dominant. Nobody could compete with his grappling skills and the rest of the contenders in the lightweight division will be quietly pleased that he’s retired.At least they now have a chance at the title.
But former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones isn’t ready to accept Nurmagomedov as the sport’s GOAT.Jones didn’t react well to Nurmagomedov requesting to be crowned the undisputed greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time after Saturday’s fight, writing on Twitter: “15 world titles, numbers don’t lie.”
And he’s now doubled down on the jabs at Nurmagomedov by sending a message to anyone who thinks the Eagle is the GOAT.
Jones hits back at Khabib GOAT claims
“I’m talking to all you Khabib fans out there,” Jones said in a video posted on Instagram.
“Fifteen world titles to your guys’ four, and you guys are really talking about who’s the best fighter ever? You guys are joking, right?
Jones made a petulant face and added: “Fifteen to four. Are you guys’ kidding me?”
In Jones’ opinion, there’s only one fighter who could challenge him for the acclaimed title.
“The only person that could possibly come back and challenge my record and what I’ve done in the UFC is possibly Georges St-Pierre,” he added.
“He would have to come back and win two championship fights to tie me, and I’m not even retired yet. I’m 33 years old. I’ve got a whole ‘nother chapter to go through.”
Jones bowed out with another shot at Nurmagomedov.
“You guys are nuts - I love you guys so much,” he said. “I hope you guys all have a great day. Fifteen world championships to four.
“And all you guys who are going with this he’s more dominant argument, the just recently started fighting elite-level competition. Could you imagine me against the No. 10 ranked guy?”
Jones wasn't done there. He later took to Twitter to suggest that the level of opponents he's beaten outweighs Nurmagomedov's achievements.