Islam Makhachev is gearing up to make the third defense of his UFC lightweight crown against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1. Currently riding on a 13-fight win streak with his last loss inside the Octagon coming all the way back in 2015, Makhachev has made his number 1 P4P (pound-for-pound) rank undeniable. But is he on track to becoming the LW GOAT? According to a lot of MMA fans, that may not be the case.

In a recent post shared on Instagram by the WestTillDeath account, it was stated, “Islam Makhachev is one title defense away from tying Khabib. This will also give him 2 more victories in the UFC over Khabib. Islam the LW GOAT with a victory over Dustin Poirier?”

According to information available on Tapology, Makhachev’s UFC record currently stands at 14-1, while Nurmagomedov’s UFC record is 13-0. Other than the fact that Nurmagomedov retired without ever having lost a fight inside the Octagon, it’s also important to note that ‘The Eagle’s 3 title defenses came against elite lightweights like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and former LW champion, Conor McGregor.

Whereas Makhachev has only defended his title twice against Alexander Volkanovski, an elite competitor and champion, but who has only competed as a featherweight inside the UFC. As such, the fans took offense to the idea of Makhachev’s claim to the UFC lightweight ‘GOAT’ or ‘Greatest of All Time’ status in the comments section. So, let’s dive deeper into the arguments the fans have made against Makhachev ! 

Fans aren’t on board with Islam Makhachev’s claim to UFC LW ‘GOAT’ title  

It appears that the netizens aren’t holding back as a fan bluntly stated that the entire idea is “gross” in their opinion – “Gross thought”

Another fan pointed out that the UFC records section doesn’t feature Islam Makhachev’s name in any category that would support his claim to the ‘GOAT’ title. In fact, a quick glance confirms that among active lightweights, Charles Oliveira holds the record for most submission wins, most finishes, and most total fight night bonuses. As such, the fan’s argument that “recency bias” is a significant factor in Makhachev’s evaluation does hold weight.

“If you go on UFC website and check the all time records. Islams name doesn’t appear in any yet somehow the narrative of him being a goat is in the talks? This is crazy. I’m not a khabib/islam hater I actually enjoy watching Islam fight he’s dominate as all hell and he’s sure to win his next defense but I think recency bias is the biggest cloud of judgement for people. What is a goat to some of you?”

However, for some fans, if Makhachev manages to make 2 more title defenses after ‘The Diamond’ and Arman Tsarukyan, that would solidify his candidacy for LW GOAT.

“If he beats, Dustin, Arman, and one more he is for sure.”

For others, Makhachev doesn’t radiate the same aura of invincibility that Nurmagomedov displayed during his reign of terror in the 155 lbs division and even though they feel like he will be a dominant champion, he’ll still not hit the same peak as ‘The Eagle’ did at the height of his prowess. 

“I think he will be but it doesn’t feel like it. He doesn’t really have the same aura as khabib”

One fan pointed out that Makhachev is only relevant due to his association with Nurmagomedov as his friend and training partner

“He’s only relevant because of Khabib”

While others took issue with the term ‘GOAT’ being used without people knowing the actual meaning behind the acronym and the achievements needed to step into that rare status. 

“GOAT is a term used to freely……..Do people even know what that means.”

Makhachev’s record with a lack of top-ranked opposition was also pointed out by a fan as a reason behind why they believe the Dagestani champion doesn’t deserve the ‘GOAT’ title at this point in his career.

“lol he’s fought 1 guy in the top 5 of his division?  maybe two now. I don’t know where Arman is ranked…sigh.”

And another fan pointed out that despite his accomplishments, Nurmagomedov isn’t close to being in the top 5 list of ‘GOAT’ candidates and as such, Makhachev’s name is far behind in the conversation

“Khabib isn’t even a top 5 GOAT, so Islam for sure isn’t even close to 🐐 status”

Ultimately, the debate over Makhachev’s GOAT status underscores the complexity of evaluating fighters’ legacies in MMA without falling into biases of any sort. While his talent and potential are undeniable, Makhachev still has much to prove before he can claim the title of UFC lightweight GOAT in the eyes of all fans. Do you think the fans are right in their assessment of Islam Makhachev’s status in the LW division? Who are your top 5 GOAT candidates in the UFC? Share them with us in the comments below!