Is Islam Makhachev better than Khabib Nurmagomedov? This is quite an interesting question and one that would keep on haunting fans since ‘The Eagle’ retired from the sport without ever going one-on-one against his Dagestani teammate. But what if we tell you that there is visual evidence of the two facing each other? Well, that might give us our answer about the GOAT debate between the two. So, who is the better one?

In recent footage that has been going viral on social media, the two greats of the lightweight division can be seen going toe-to-toe against each other in an intense sparring battle. From the year 2011, the footage shows how good Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov were from the very start, as they managed to take others down and hit clear strikes that would’ve knocked anyone out if they didn’t have the boxing gloves on.

But did Khabib Nurmagomedov lose rounds against him in the sparring match? Well, the answer is yes! It is something that was confirmed by his coach, Javier Mendez, himself during an appearance on Jimmy Smith’s ‘Red Corner Talk’. He said that Khabib Nurmagomedov is the greatest fighter that he has coached, and no other in his training camp could ever win rounds against him. But there was an exception in the form of yet another special student named Islam Makhachev.

Coach Mendez said, “When Islam first started training, he was the only person that actually gave Khabib any trouble sparring. No one else would give Khabib any trouble sparring. He was the only one that would actually win rounds against Khabib. No one else could ever do that.” He further added, “I knew that he was special based on that. He became really good at striking because he trained at home with other striking coaches. Islam had other people training with him. Sam was one of his coaches who was a silver medalist in boxing.”

Coach Mendez finally gave fans a clue about how the two actually might be completely on equal levels in their fight game. But what do MMA fans think? Who did they pick as the clear winner of the GOAT debate between the two? Well, we have the answer to that question as well. So without further ado, let’s find out the fan favorite.

Fans pick their favorite between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

As soon as the video hit the internet, fans were quick to let their picks be known. While many would’ve expected Khabib Nurmagomedov to be the clear pick, a majority sided with Islam Makhachev instead. Taking to the comments, the name that came up the most as the GOAT of the lightweight division was that of the current lightweight champion, who is now gearing up to defend his belt against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. The fans wrote, “Islam is more goated at 155 lb than Khabib.” “Islam has always been better Khabib retired too early for anyone to tell,” and “I’ve always felt like that’s how the fight between them plays out. I think Islam actually takes Khabib down.”

But why did the fans side with the reigning lightweight champion? Well, the answer lies in his skills and IQ. According to fans, Makhachev is a more complete fighter than ‘The Eagle’. While Khabib Nurmagomedov has an amazing ground-and-pound game, his Dagestani teammate’s wrestling and overall fight skills easily overpowered it. Taking to the comments, the fans shared, “Islam is more complete, intelligent fighter than Khabib when it comes to fight in the octagon.” “Khabib’s grappling is way better than Islam Makhachev’s,” and “I’m one of the rare people who’d bet on Islam prime vs. prime, close wrestling but much superior striking.”

However, not everyone was on team Makhachev. Many still sided with the undefeated fighter who retired undefeated. According to them, Prime Khabib was different, and there is a reason why he had 29 wins and no losses. So, when it comes to a real fight, or even this sparring footage, it is ‘The Eagle’ that takes the clear win. The fans wrote, “They would never fight, but prime Khabib would maul prime Islam,” and “2-1 Khabib off this footage.”

But what do you think? Who is the better fighter between the two? Let us know in the comments.