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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: Robert Whittaker of New Zealand poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 24, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20201027142054/UFCFNFI4WeighIn001.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: Robert Whittaker of New Zealand poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 24, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Robert Whittaker has tossed in his voice on the current debate over who is the greatest MMA fighter of all-time. While speaking to Submission Radio, he outlined his perspective on the GOAT debate before making his pick.
“I think there’s two sides of that. There’s greatest of all-time career-wise and there’s greatest of all time in just fighting prowess. I think the greatest of all time in fighting prowess will be difficult to take unless you’re at that physicality. Because we’re talking about pure combat ability. There, size does matter.
“I know there’s all the size doesn’t matter, but it matters. Especially if you add talent on that.
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“The greatest fighter of all time will have to be Jon Jones. He’ll have to be up there. I cannot leave someone as dangerous as he is in terms of just fighting ability.”
Robert Whittaker also added that he feels Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre have a better resume for the greatest career of all time because of their records and how they showed the conduct of a true champion to everyone.
Robert Whittaker looking at it rationally
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: (L-R) Robert Whittaker of Australia punches Jared Cannonier in their middleweight bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
As the debate between Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cases for GOAT heats up, Whittaker comes in with a very sensible take. It is hard to dispute the 29-0 record Khabib has. He has also dominated almost every single opponent he faced.
As a champion, Khabib was very respectful and conducted himself with professionalism. The same goes for GSP.
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However, Jones cannot be omitted. Despite the P.E.D. fails and his issues with the law, ‘Bones’ has proven that inside the cage, he is truly elite.
Considering Jones is larger and more athletic, he is a more natural pick for GOAT, because he can feasibly beat anyone in any weight class. Whittaker has drawn a very intelligent line in the sand, and maybe the GOAT debate should gain a new perspective.
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