Khabib Nurmagomedov’s GOAT Claims Shut Down After Charles Oliveira Backed as the Best Lightweight in Bold Statement by UFC Legend: “Numbers Don’t Lie”

The ever-exciting, never-boring UFC lightweight division has been buzzing all the more since Charles Oliveira secured a win at UFC 289 this past weekend. The former lightweight champion thrived as the underdog once again as he beat the favorite Beneil Dariush via a spectacular first-round TKO. With the win, Oliveira is campaigning for a shot at the title he lost to Islam Makhachev last year.

Furthermore, Oliveira also added another finish to his record to cement his position as the fighter with the most finishes in the UFC. On the back of these achievements, ‘Do Bronx’ has taken a seat at the center of the lightweight GOAT debate. Fans and pros are comparing the 32-year-old against the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov to determine the greatest lightweight fighter of all time.

Former UFC two-weight champion and MMA pundit Henry Cejudo gave a piece of his mind via his YouTube channel on the subject. He discussed the lightweight GOAT debate from a variety of different angles and his claims may surprise you.

Henry Cejudo on the Charles Oliveira vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov GOAT debate

Henry Cejudo and Khabib Nurmagomedov have a solid friendship, which is evident from their many interactions. The pair also share the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz. However, that did not stop him from snubbing ‘The Eagle’ for the GOAT status in his discussion.

‘Triple C’ was of the opinion that Charles Oliveira ranked above Nurmagomedov in the GOAT debate at the moment. The 36-year-old had his own reasons to back his claim. He said, “Is he [Charles Oliveira] the greatest lightweight of all time? I’m gonna have to say yes. Because you know what? Numbers don’t lie. The fashion that he’s beaten people, the fact that he’s fighting for this belt once again.”

At the same time, the bantamweight star had a second argument to make. He said, “I think as of now, based on numbers, it is Charles Oliveira but I do believe, and then let’s not forget about Islam [Makhachev] too. If Islam is able to get past him and defend his title six or seven times like he said he wanted to, then you’d have to give the title to Islam Makhachev.”

While Cejudo’s statements hinge on the ‘ifs and buts’, they point to the depth of talent in the UFC lightweight division. With stars like Oliveria and Islam Makhachev rivaling the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov’s GOAT status, fans can expect fireworks from the division in the coming months.

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What are your thoughts on Cejudo’s claims? Do you agree with him? Who is the lightweight GOAT in your opinion? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.

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