Conor McGregor ranks Islam Makhachev above Khabib in GOAT debate

Conor McGregor believes Islam Makhachev belongs above Khabib Nurmagomedov on the all-time UFC rankings despite the pair's mentor-student relationship.

The former two-division champion told Complex that Makhachev's resume outpaces Nurmagomedov's across multiple metrics. "He's above Khabib. Finishes, body of work, both divisions. For sure, he is. Still at it," McGregor said, per Sherdog. "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]."

Why McGregor favors Makhachev over his mentor

McGregor pointed to Makhachev's accomplishments at both lightweight and welterweight as the deciding factors. While Nurmagomedov defended the lightweight belt three times before retiring undefeated at 29-0, Makhachev topped that mark with four title defenses before moving up to claim the welterweight strap from Jack Della Maddalena in November. McGregor also noted Makhachev's superior finishing rate inside the octagon.

The Irishman placed Makhachev ahead of Daniel Cormier as well, both of whom trained under Nurmagomedov's mentorship at American Kickboxing Academy.

Makhachev defends the 170-pound title against Ian Garry on August 15 at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. McGregor returns from his own layoff on July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, facing Max Holloway at welterweight.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Conor McGregor makes surprise Islam Makhachev GOAT claim