Makhachev believes he has surpassed Jon Jones in terms of greatness in the UFC due to his recent victory over Alexander Volkanovski, who was previously considered the best in the world.
However, Jones has been on an extended hiatus and vacated the UFC light heavyweight title since his last victory in 2020. Jones will have the chance to make a comeback and prove himself again in his upcoming event against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
“You know why? Jon Jones is a great fighter. He is the best but last time he won like split decision…. he always has hard fights. I don’t think after this fight he’s going to be best. I’m best right now because I beat the best fighter in the world. That’s why I deserve this more.” – Makhachev told media after UFC 284.
Jones has long had a beef with team Khabib, often posting about him on social media and teasing him about the so called GOAT status. Jones has also never been defeated during his decades long tenure in the UFC. Jones became a champion at 23 and defended his title plenty of times.
This was enough for Robert Whittaker who previously discussed Jones saying that what he’s accomplished is second to none:
“Jon Jones is the best of all time – of all time, pound-for-pound greatest of all time,” Whittaker said.
“What he did to his opponents, and to the division, and as a champion, nobody has come close to that level of supremacy and domination. He is a freak of nature.”