History was on the line for Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. A win meant that Makhachev would surpass Anderson Silva’s 16-fight win-streak record within the UFC. With such an illustrious record on the line, Makhachev delivered.
Winning a unanimous decision over the No. 1 contender, Ian Machado Garry, Makhachev rewrote the history books. Now riding a 17-fight win streak within the UFC, Makhachev has solidified himself as one of the greatest fighters to ever live.
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The only question is where he stands among the greats of MMA. Here are the top five fighters of all time.
5. Anderson Silva
A striker who was ahead of his time. Silva dazzled fans and confused his opponents with his elite footwork and creative striking. 34 total wins and 11 UFC championship wins throughout his career. Silva’s 11 title wins are fourth all-time.
Silva also holds the record for the longest UFC title reign ever. Winning the title in 2006, Silva held it until 2013, for roughly six years and eight months.
Silva is clearly the greatest middleweight to grace the octagon, and he made fights look easy in his prime.
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4. Islam Makhachev
Makhachev was already one of the 10 best fighters ever, but his UFC 330 win puts him into GOAT status. Not only did Makhachev break Silva’s consecutive wins record, but he became the fifth fighter ever to defend a title in two weight classes.
The records don’t stop there. Makhachev is the most decorated lightweight champion ever, holding the record for most title wins and most title defenses.
All that said, Makhachev has plenty more in the tank. Don’t be surprised if he climbs higher on this list within the next few years.
3. Demetrious Johnson
The most well-rounded fighter ever. Demetrious Johnson could finish a fight in any way imaginable. Whether through striking or grappling, no one could do anything with prime DJ.
As far as records go, Johnson has plenty, including the absurd record of 11 consecutive title defenses — not title wins, but defenses. Johnson’s 12 total title wins within the UFC rank third all time.
Known as Mighty Mouse, Johnson held the flyweight title for six years. Longevity as a champion is the hardest thing to do in MMA, and Johnson did it as well as anyone ever.
2. Georges St-Pierre
The best welterweight to ever grace the octagon. Georges St-Pierre is one of the few fighters to have longevity as a champion in one division and to hold a second title. Spending almost six years as welterweight champion, St. Pierre held the title two different times.
The second stint was the most impressive, totaling nine consecutive title defenses. St-Pierre is another one of the rare fighters who became truly elite in both striking and wrestling. Early in his career, St-Pierre relied more on his striking, and as he got better at wrestling, he would swarm opponents.
St-Pierre also won the middleweight title after a four-year layoff. Even though the middleweight reign never continued after beating Michael Bisping, becoming a champion in two weight classes is almost impossible, and it helps GSP’s case.
1. Jon Jones
Despite the controversies, despite the out-of-octagon issues, there’s no denying Jones’ greatness. Jones holds the record for most title-fight wins ever with a staggering 16.
Jones’ record is 28-1-0 (1 NC), but he’s really 29-0 if context is given. Jones never lost a fight; he was disqualified for using 12-6 elbows against Matt Hamill, handing Jones his lone loss.
Jones rattled off 14 title-fight wins at light heavyweight, and then, after a three-year hiatus, came back and won the heavyweight title.
The heavyweight resume doesn’t compare to the LHW resume, but submitting Cyril Gane and knocking out Stipe Miocic in under five rounds combined is still impressive.
There are levels to dominance, and no one dominated like Jones.