Mixed Martial Arts has taken the world by storm over the past few decades, and there have been many great fighters that have graced the Octagon. But who among them is the greatest of all time? It's a debate that has raged on for years, and one that will likely continue for years to come.
Whenever there is any debate going on regarding the GOAT of the octagon, Jon Jones is on the top of the list every time, ahead of other legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges St-Pierre, and Anderson Silva. While rankings and opinions may differ, there's no denying that Jones has had an incredible career thus far.
Jones made his debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division. His unique fighting style, which included his incredible reach and striking ability, made him a nightmare for opponents. He won the UFC light heavyweight championship in 2011 and defended it numerous times.
However, Jones' career has not been without controversy. He has faced multiple suspensions and legal issues outside the Octagon, which have tarnished his reputation to some extent. Nevertheless, his skills in the cage are undeniable.
Jon Jones was recently questioned about his top five UFC competitors in an appearance with RMC Sport. The 35-year-old chose to list himself first, before rivals like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.
"My top 5? Let's see here. If I'm allowed, I would say myself, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jose Aldo. Those are my favorites at least."
One of Jones' biggest rivals in the sport has been Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite being ranked behind Jones on the all-time great list, Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020 with a perfect record of 29-0. His dominant grappling and ground-and-pound style made him a nightmare for opponents, and he quickly established himself as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva are two other fighters that are often mentioned in the GOAT conversation. St-Pierre dominated the welterweight division for years, winning the title multiple times and defending it on nine occasions. Silva, on the other hand, was known for his incredible striking ability and holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history.
While it's impossible to definitively say who the greatest MMA fighter of all time is, there's no denying that Jones, Nurmagomedov, St-Pierre, and Silva are among the most dominant fighters to ever grace the sport. Their legacies will continue to be discussed and debated by MMA fans for years to come.
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