Conor McGregor believes there’s currently a debate to be had about who is the greatest fighter in MMA history. When all is said and done, though, he’s it will be a closed case.
McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) insists he will go down as the top fighter ever seen in the sport, with his accomplishments outlasting those of Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.
“The Notorious” took to Twitter on Saturday morning and posted a thread breaking down where he feels each man stands in the argument of greatest of all time. He detailed his perspective on the accomplishments of each man, but in the long game doesn’t think anyone will stack up to what he’s already done and intends to do going forward (via Twitter):
GOAT THREAD.
The array of finishes, across 2 divisions, with champion status in 1, Anderson Silva is No.1 MMA GOAT.
My array of finishes, across 3 divisions, with champion status in 2, I’m No.2. If not tied 1.
However still active, No.1 is fully secured by career end. And easily.
Clarity on Silva’s earlier no.1 spot. Most stylistic finishes on resume. Front kicks to face. Up elbow (albeit outside UFC) Thai plum knees leading to broken facial bones. Long list of jaw dropping finishes. Myself/Anderson have the most exciting/important finishes in the sport!
GSP is in at 3. Much less array of finishes but champion status in 2. He is far behind though. Reasons = Left 170 after much damage taken+questionable decision. Never re-engaged 170lb successors. Bottled Anderson fight. Only moved when one eyed fighter presented. Played safe.
Jon is 4. Maybe tied 3. More array of finishes than 3 and still active, but champion status in just 1. Reasons = Multiple lacklustre decision performances + questionable decision win. Attempting to safe play HW entry/avoiding its champion.
McGregor presents somehwhat reasonable arguments. St-Pierre is retired from MMA and therefor unlikely to add any further credentials. Silva is 45, and while he intends to have at least two more fights, has seen many losses in recent years. Jones, meanwhile, is still very much on top of the game, holding the UFC light heavyweight belt and teasing a move to heavyweight.
When the GOAT discussion comes up, Jones and Silva are often discredited because of the fact they’ve both tested positive for banned substances at multiple points in their career. McGregor acknowledged that, and also pointed to his resume that includes wins over multiple fights who have flagged for performance-enhancing drugs.
I didn’t mentions PED results on multiple entrants, even though that makes me the clear current No.1 MMA GOAT, along with still being active.
Although it shames, as well as puts all runs+finishes in complete doubt, I’ve snored multiple juice heads.
A true GOAT must do it all.
At 31, McGregor still has time to achieve plenty more in the sport. Now it just remains to be seen when and where the Irishman steps back in the octagon.
Conor McGregor says he'll 'easily' end career as MMA GOAT over Jones, Silva and St-Pierre
