Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals his top 15 GOAT list

Former UFC lightweight titleholder Khabib Nurmagomedov has chimed in on the GOAT debate.

‘The Eagle’ has been out of the cage since his submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. Following the victory, the then-lightweight champion announced his retirement in the center of the cage. To his credit, Nurmagomedov has stood firm in his decision to hang up the gloves and hasn’t shown interest in competing.

Following the Russian’s retirement, fans and pundits understandably debated his place amongst all-time greats. These days, just about every major fighter that retires is entered into the GOAT conversation. For their part, even fighters in the debate like to discuss it.

While many believe Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest fighters of all time, he doesn’t include himself. Nonetheless, the Russian recently gave his top-15 greatest of all-time list on Twitter. There, he named former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emeliananeko and current UFC titleholder Jon Jones as the greatest to ever do it.

Beyond that, the former UFC lightweight champion placed Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Demetrious Johnson on the list. Lastly, Nurmagomedov’s longtime friend and teammate, Daniel Cormier was placed at number five.

Rounding out the top ten are names such as former UFC titleholders Henry Cejudo, Jose Aldo, and Kamaru Usman. One of the few active champions on Nurmagomedov’s list, Israel Adesanya, comes in at number nine. ‘The Last Stylebender’ defeated Alex Pereira earlier this month to re-capture UFC middleweight gold. Former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn rounds out the top ten.

Lastly, it seems that Khabib Nurmagomedov had a bit of trouble rounding out the top-15. The former UFC champion listed nine fighters, as he included some ties. Thanks to the ties, such as Dan Henderson, Cain Velasquez, Mirko Cro Cop, and Frankie Edgar wound up making the list.

My mma GOAT top 15

1) Fedor/Jones
2) GSP
3) AndersonSilva
4) DemetriousJohnson
5) DanielCormier
6) HenryCehudo
7) JoseAldo
8) KamaruUsman
9) Adesanya
10) BJPENN
11) RoyceGraice
12) Couture/Velasquez
13) Hendo/Shogun
14) CroCop/Miocic
15) Dominic Cruz/Frankie Edgar

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 12, 2023

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