# UFC mixed martial arts GOAT debate

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-mixed-martial-arts-goat-debate
> Updated: 2026-08-18T04:30:46.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The debate regarding the greatest mixed martial artist of all time (GOAT) has intensified following comments by former UFC champion Daniel Cormier. Cormier excluded athletes with anti-doping issues, such as Jon Jones and Anderson Silva, from the discussion. He identified Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre as the primary candidates, ultimately selecting Nurmagomedov due to his undefeated 29-0 professional record.

Jon Jones responded to these remarks by accusing Cormier of jealousy, arguing that his early career disqualification occurred before he understood the rules and emphasizing his history of main-event title fights. 

Former champion Henry Cejudo also joined the discussion, suggesting that while Islam Makhachev is an elite contender, calling him the GOAT is premature. Cejudo argued that Jones remains a top choice based on title defenses and noted that Nurmagomedov’s three defenses might not be sufficient to surpass legends like Jones, Demetrious Johnson, or Georges St-Pierre.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier clash over UFC GOAT debate

UFC legends Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier have traded barbs over the GOAT debate after Cormier named Khabib Nurmagomedov the greatest fighter, citing his undefeated record.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/henry-cejudo-debates-khabib-nurmagomedovs-goat-status

### 2026-08-13: Daniel Cormier names Khabib Nurmagomedov as MMA's greatest fighter

Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier names Khabib Nurmagomedov as the greatest MMA fighter, excluding Jon Jones and Anderson Silva due to anti-doping concerns.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daniel-cormier-names-khabib-nurmagomedov-as-mmas-greatest-fighter

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Cite as: UFC mixed martial arts GOAT debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-mixed-martial-arts-goat-debate