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The case for every UFC GOAT contender as ‘no-brainer’ rises... with one costly blemish UFC boss Dana White reckons Islam Makhachev would already own the GOAT crown were it not for that smallest of blemishes on his incredible fight record — a loss to Brazilian Adriano Martins way back in 2015. Yet as for how long it is now until even that one ‘L’ no longer matters? Undeniably, this is suddenly one of the biggest talking points anywhere in MMA after Makhachev went and earned his 17th straight Octagon win at UFC 330 on Sunday – defending welterweight gold against hyped Irishman Ian Machado Garry. Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Apart from now having defended UFC titles in two divisions, or going 11 years without loss, the Dagestani superstar has also put himself on, officially, the longest winning streak in UFC history. So again, what more must Makhachev do to take the GOAT crown from a shortlist of contenders topped by Jon Jones, Georges St Pierre, even Makhachev’s great mate and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov? In recent years, other fighters to have entered this discussion include Demetrious Johnson, Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski and, of course, Brazilian great Anderson Silva, whose record streak was bested on Sunday. Asked about all this post fight, White said of Makhachev’s claims to UFC GOAT status: “If he didn’t have that one loss on his record, it would almost be a no-brainer. “This kid wants to fight all the time, stays active … [so] I think what you do is, you just let this guy’s career play out. When Islam’s career is starting to wrap up, the more fights he keeps winning and the records he keeps breaking, it’ll all speak for itself.” Here is the shortlist of GOAT contenders: JON JONES Apart from effectively going undefeated in the sport, or winning titles in two divisions, this polarising American superstar has also maintained the rage throughout what is nearing on three generations of opponents. Sure, the fighter dubbed Bone’s has also popped hot. And more recently, been accused of ducking Francis Ngannou and Tom Aspinall, too. But this is an incredible fighter, and athlete, who effectively wins everywhere. Of course, there are plenty of MMA fans who baulk at giving the GOAT crown to a guy who was has over the years, been accused of all sorts of misdemeanours. But the ‘G’ ain’t for goodest. It’s greatest. And Jones is absolutely in the conversation for that. GEORGES ST PIERRE Among the most dominant wrestlers in MMA history, this Canadian megastar was an undeniable baby face of the sport who not only went and cleared out the UFC welterweight division, but did it against names like Matt Hughes, BJ Penn and Nick Diaz. Adding to his legacy, GSP also eventually returned to the sport after a hiatus and won himself the UFC middleweight title against Michael Bisping, before then abruptly retiring. Of course, St Pierre’s career isn’t perfect, having lost to both Matt Hughes and Matt Serra, the latter of which is considered the greatest upset in UFC history. Which in its own way becomes yet another nod to the greatness of GSP, who then went and won said gold strap back again. KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV The Dagestani bogeyman has entered almost mythical realms thanks to a career that saw him go undefeated through 29 fights, defeat Conor McGregor and, at one point in his youth, wrestle a bear. On the ground, Khabib was without peer. Importantly, he has also inspired a new generation of bearded warriors to roll down and out of those Caucasus Mountains like a marauding, Octagon army. The only knock on this guy’s claims for GOAT status are the strength of his record and the fact he boasts only three title defences. Unlike others on this list, Khabib didn’t leave the sport with his entire division rendered a wasteland. ANDERSON SILVA One of the greatest, and most entertaining, strikers in MMA history, ‘The Spider’ went seven years without loss. Or put another way, 16 straight fights. Yet even better was the incredible run of highlight reel moves, and finishes, that came to epitomize one of the truly great UFC careers. Of course, those arguing against him being GOAT will point to those seven career losses. However, the biggest chunk of those came at the end – and after suffering a gruesome leg injury in what became his second upset title loss against Chris Weidman. Also popped hot after beating Nick Diaz, which saw his initial win overturned to a no contest. ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI Of course, there’s no chance we were doing a GOAT challenger list without including that Warilla Gorillas prop whose highest honour, for a time, was winning himself a Mick Cronin medal. Currently enjoying his second UFC featherweight reign, ‘Volk’ has also continually proved himself willing to dive headlong into the sport’s greatest challenges – which includes once challenging Makhachev up a weight class, and on 11 days noticed. Despite losing that fight by KO, and then another to Ilia Topuria, Australia’s fighting pride remains one of the smartest, gutsiest and well rounded fighters to ever step foot inside a cage. DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON Dubbed Mighty Mouse, this insanely skilled bantamweight never drew the crowds, or pay-per-view numbers of several others on this list. But what should that matter when it comes to greatest? Regardless, Johnson remains one of the most complete fighters to ever compete inside an Octagon. During the peak of his career, this bloke went six years and 11 defences without loss – which among many fans is considered a tougher ask than the more modern move of bouncing between divisions to chase gold. Of course he did lose to both Dom Cruz and Henry Cudo, and after having previously defeated the latter. AMANDA NUNES Given she is undeniably the greatest female fighter – or GWOAT – of all time, Nunes certainly deserves mention here. More than simply defending UFC titles simultaneously, it was how Nunes got the job done that makes her so great – finishing champions like Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm, while also besting Valentina Shevchenko twice. At one point, went on a tear stretching seven years before being upset by Julianna Peña, which she then went and avenged in her very next outing. DANIEL CORMIER While younger fight fans may know DC as that always smiling UFC analyst, there was a time when this American wrasslin’ star was one of the world’s baddest men. Apart from being among only a handful of fighters to boast UFC ‘Champ Champ’ status, DC also never lost to anyone not named Stipe Miocic or Jon Jones. Fans of the two-division champ will also point out that the two Miocic losses double as his final two fights, while Jones’ popped hot in his second win of their own fierce rivalry – which resulted in the bout being declared a ‘No Contest’. As a result, DC was rightfully reinstated as champion. ISLAM MAKHACHEV Currently ranked the UFC’s No.1 fighter pound-for-pound, Makhachev is readying for a hyped title run in the welterweight division, and after having already done the same already as a lightweight. Since initially moving up and beating Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena for gold, the Dagestani then went and doubled down at the weekend against Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry. In the process, beating Anderson Silva’s record for the longest win streak in UFC history, too. While he may not boast the strength of resume to usurp either Jones or GSP as the GOAT, this bloke is definitely closing in with every appearance. And if not yet the greatest ever, Makhachev is undeniably the greatest right now.