In a recent interview, rising UFC star Sean O’Malley expressed his belief that Islam Makhachev is currently the best fighter in the promotion. O’Malley’s comments come amidst a growing debate around who deserves the title of the greatest MMA fighter in the world.
“Probably Islam,” O’Malley said when asked who he considers the greatest fighter right now. “Yeah, probably Islam.”
Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has been on a dominant run in the past few years, securing nine consecutive victories and establishing himself as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
O’Malley’s assessment aligns with the sentiment of many fans and analysts, who have been impressed by Makhachev’s technical proficiency and well-rounded skill set. The Dagestan native has showcased his prowess in various areas of the game, from his grappling expertise to his striking capabilities.
However, the debate around the greatest fighter in the UFC remains a contentious one, with the name of Jon Jones often brought up in the conversation. UFC President Dana White has been vocal in his praise of Jones, describing him as the “number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”
“It’s just, you know, you picture right now, and you kind of go back four or five years. I think Jon’s fought once in the last four or five years,” O’Malley acknowledged. “Jon Jones is up there, greatest of all time. But right now, who’s the greatest? Who’s been active the last four years or whatever? I think it’s Islam.”
While Jones’ resume and accomplishments are undeniable, his recent inactivity has prompted some to question whether he still deserves to be considered the top fighter in the sport. Makhachev, on the other hand, has been consistently active and dominant, making a strong case for the title of the greatest fighter in the UFC at the moment.
