McGregor ranks Makhachev above Khabib in UFC GOAT list ahead of Philadelphia title defence

Conor McGregor has publicly ranked Islam Makhachev above Khabib Nurmagomedov in his personal UFC all-time list, crediting the Dagestani’s finish rate, dual-division success, and record-breaking lightweight title reign as the decisive factors.

McGregor, who placed himself at the top of his own rankings, had previously drawn attention for dismissing Nurmagomedov’s legacy while compiling the list. His assessment of Makhachev, however, was notably warm. “He’s above Khabib. Finishes, body of work, both divisions. For sure, he is. Still at it,” McGregor told Complex. “There’s a lot left in that boy, and he should recognize that and keep going. I have him above both his teammates there, Cormier and [Nurmagomedov].”

The argument carries statistical weight. Nurmagomedov retired with a 29-0 record and three lightweight title defences. Makhachev (28-1) surpassed that benchmark with four defences before moving up to welterweight, where he dethroned Jack Della Maddalena in dominant fashion last November to claim the 170-pound title.

McGregor also pushed back against suggestions that Makhachev, 33, is approaching the end of his career, insisting the two-weight champion has significant mileage remaining.

Makhachev is scheduled to make the first defence of his welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on 15 August at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. McGregor himself is set to return to competition at welterweight against Max Holloway (27-9) at UFC 329 on 11 July at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.