White On Why Makhachev Isn't The GOAT Yet

Dana White is pumping the brakes on crowning Islam Makhachev the greatest fighter of all time, even as the lightweight champion sits on the verge of UFC history.

Makhachev defends his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on Saturday, where a win would tie Anderson Silva's record of 16 consecutive UFC victories. He already holds the record for most lightweight title defenses and currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings, but the UFC president told reporters at a Contender Series media session that the conversation needs to wait until after the fight.

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White Wants To See Saturday's Performance First

"I don't think about that stuff until the fight happens," White said, per MMA Fighting. "When we see his performance on Saturday, let's see how it plays out, but obviously breaking [Silva's] record, you keep grinding, you keep fighting, you put your head down and just keep knocking guys down left and right, by the time you say 'you know what? I'm done,' then we all figure out where he ends up in the big pictures."

White acknowledged Makhachev is on the right trajectory to join Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre in the all-time discussion. The Dagestani fighter has already made history in one division and is attempting to replicate that success at welterweight, a feat only a handful of champions have managed.

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"He's got all the things there to be the guy," White added. "I think we should talk about this Saturday night after the fight and see what we all think based on his performance on Saturday and breaking the record."

UFC 330 takes place this Saturday with the Makhachev-Garry main event expected to close the show.

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• MMA Fighting — Dana White explains why he’s not ready to crown Islam Makhachev as the GOAT just yet