McGregor Reveals P4P Rankings In Official ‘GOAT Thread’

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Conor McGregor has once again given combat fans something to think about on a weekend without fights.

The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion took to social media earlier today (Sat., May 23, 2020) to unveil his own personal rankings for the greatest MMA fighter of all time. McGregor titled his Twitter discussion as the “GOAT Thread,” offering explanations for his choices and where he slots himself into the equation.

You may not agree with McGregor’s overall assessment, but the Irishman’s all-time rankings are pretty interesting and open up the floor for further discussion.

First, McGregor labeled former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva as the best fighter to ever compete in the sport. “Notorious” did mention that he’s close to Silva in the discussion for pound-for-pound best, but will have to let the rest of his career play out before crowning himself No. 1.

“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.”

McGregor later explained in more detail his decision to slot Silva at No. 1.

“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!”

Next, McGregor turned his attention to former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre, who comes in at No. 3 on the Irishman’s P4P list. While McGregor pays GSP tribute for winning titles in two separate UFC divisions, “Notorious” does knock the UFC legend for limited finishes and the fact that St-Pierre never had his superfight with Silva. According to McGregor, GSP “played safe.”

“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.”

The final name on McGregor’s list is none other than current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who many consider to be No. 1 on a list like this. For McGregor, Jones does not pass the other names mentioned due to his recent close decision wins and inability to make a meaningful move to heavyweight, which “Bones” tried to do earlier this week.

“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 offered more insight into his placing of Jones at No 4.

“I said 4, maybe 3. This here is No.2 in Rolex’s, and with only 2 in play. I like Jon. Still active, can climb higher. Must shake repetitive iddybiddy knee kick habit he has, learn to box backwards, take divisional jump fearlessly, then most important of all, win it in full style.”

Finally, McGregor rounded out his “GOAT Thread” by mentioning the affect PED use could have on his rankings. McGregor isn’t ready to discredit legends like Silva and Jones, who have both been linked to PEDs in the past, but “Notorious” ultimately believes that makes him the clear No. 1.

“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.”

Of course, it should be noted that McGregor left off current rival and UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. With an undefeated professional record of 28-0 (12-0 UFC) it would be insane to leave “Eagle” off of this list. After all, McGregor is the only fighter to ever win a round over Nurmagomedov in UFC competition.

What do you think, fight fans? Where do you rank these fighters on the all-time P4P list?

Sound off!