Chiesa Says Makhachev Belongs On MMA's Mount Rushmore

Islam Makhachev deserves a spot on MMA's Mount Rushmore and has surpassed Georges St-Pierre's legacy, according to analyst Michael Chiesa.

Chiesa, speaking to MMA Junkie after Makhachev's UFC 330 victory over Ian Machado Garry, said the lightweight champion's accomplishments now eclipse those of the welterweight great. Makhachev extended his UFC record winning streak to 17 fights at the event and has captured titles in two weight classes.

Chiesa's Case For Makhachev Over St-Pierre

"A lot of people would say it's always going to be Georges," Chiesa told MMA Junkie. "Now you can say he kind of superseded what Georges did. Georges went up to 185 and fought once. Now Islam, you see him, he went up to 170, and now he's fought twice, and he doesn't intend to go back down."

The analyst acknowledged he would take criticism for the position but stood firm. He pointed out that St-Pierre's resume benefits from nostalgia attached to opponents like Matt Hughes and Johny Hendricks, figures embedded in the sport's history for longtime fans.

Chiesa named his personal Mount Rushmore as Demetrious Johnson, Makhachev, St-Pierre, and Daniel Cormier, emphasizing the importance of being a champion both inside and outside the cage. The ranking puts Makhachev's active campaign ahead of Jon Jones, who has drawn skepticism from some corners despite his own historic run.

Makhachev faces his next challenge later this year as he looks to extend his streak and cement his case among the sport's all-time greats.

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• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev should feature on MMA’s Mount Rushmore, says MMA analyst