KHabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) is considered by many the best fighter of all time. The Dagestani retired undefeated in 2020 after the death of his father Abdulmanap At just 32 years old, in the best moment of his career, and in a recent interview he acknowledged that there are two names that are above of him at a historical level: Jon Jones and Fedor Emelianenko.
Even though Khabib left a indelible legacy, It is true that he needed to face more powerful names during his career and prolong it a little longer so that his legacy could live up to that of others. ‘The Eagle’ has to his credit submissions against legends such as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje, but he only has three belt defenses and that is a burden when comparing him with others.
Should I present myself as the best in history? I’ll be objective: I don’t see myself like that.
Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, his best friend Islam Makhachev…There are many names that could enter the GOAT discussion, but in his opinion there are two that are above the rest. “On my list there are two fighters that I consider the best of all time: Jon Jones and Fedor Emelianenko. Should I present myself as the best in history? I’ll be objective: I don’t see myself like that,” he stated in an interview with Adam Zubayraev.
Fedor Emelianenko after his last professional fight.
Jon Jones, the GOAT par excellence
Between these two names, the best known is that of John Jones (28-1), considered by most the GOAT of MMA. The American fighter’s only defeat was by disqualification for illegal elbows, and in the UFC it has been double champion both at light heavyweight – for almost a decade – and at heavyweight. ‘Bones’ has 16 victories in title fightsplus another extra that was changed to ‘No Contest’ against Daniel Cormier for a positive in an anti-doping test.
In fact, Jon Jones’ biggest rival has always been himself and the constant extra-sports scandals that he has been involved in, since in the octagon has had no rival. After several withdrawals, right now Jon has dropped a possible return at 39 years old. He is the youngest champion in UFC history and His legacy is indelible, So no matter what happens, it will be difficult for anyone to surpass him.
Fedor, the great forgotten
The other fighter Khabib names is Fedor Emelianenko (40-7), forgotten by many in this type of rankings when never having competed in the UFC. The Russian fighter was one of the sport’s first superstars, achieving the title in the mythical PRIDE and defeating legends of the stature of Mark Hunt, ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira, Mirko ‘Cro Cop’, Frank Mir or ‘Rampage Jackson’.
In fact, he signed a streak of 31 wins, one loss and one draw in his first 33 fights, and laid the foundation for all those who would come after. Fedor He ended up retiring in 2023 at 46 years old after being knocked out by Ryan Bader, but for everything he did in the past he will always be considered as one of the greatest.