Islam Makhachev won't call himself MMA's GOAT, says he's above Daniel Cormier
Makhachev quipped that DC will always have to be behind him
Published July 28, 2026
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) athlete Islam Makhachev has his fans praising him once more for his “humble attitude” as he refuses to rank himself as MMA’s greatest of all time (GOAT).
The 34-year-old UFC welterweight and pound-for-pound number 1 champion is all set to defend his title next month against Irish striker Ian Machado Garry.
Recently, the Russian fighter was told that the publication has made a list of 25 top fighters and placed him at number eight while his friend Daniel Cormier, 47, at number 10.
Makhachev was told that DC didn’t think of the Russian crossing his level yet. To which, Makhachev replied, “This guy has to be behind me, because I have beaten all his records.”
He continued, “Last time when I asked DC if I have crossed his level. He said, ‘no I have two belts,’ and now I have two belts too. I broke his 15-fight win streak also.”
Makhachev quipped that DC will always have to be behind him.
When asked at what position he ranked himself, the Russian athlete said: “I don’t know. Let’s talk about it after I retire.”
He added that if he still has eight people above him, he'll beat them and then “we will talk.”
Makhachev is set to defend his welterweight title at UFC 330. He will enter the octagon with a professional record of 28 wins and 1 loss (28-1-0), while Garry’s professional score is 17 wins and 1 loss (17-1-0). The fight is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, as the main event for UFC 330.
