Overview
- On Friday, August 14, 2026, UFC president Dana White told TMZ that Khabib Nurmagomedov “has not done enough” to be the GOAT because he retired too early and therefore missed chances to extend his record.
- White said Islam Makhachev has achieved more in the cage because he fought longer and won titles in two weight classes but added that Makhachev’s lone 2015 loss prevents him from being an undisputed GOAT under White’s standards.
- Khabib retired undefeated at 29-0 in 2021 after the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and the UFC lightweight title was formally vacated in March 2021.
- Makhachev’s résumé includes a single career loss at UFC 192 in 2015, multiple lightweight title defenses, a move up to win a second division belt, and a high-profile welterweight title defense at UFC 330.
- White’s remarks restate his long-standing formula for GOAT status—longevity, accumulation of records, and multi-division success—which keeps the debate subjective and fuels public disagreement from figures like Conor McGregor and from Khabib himself.