Michael Chandler has a hard time deciding who his MMA GOAT is between GSP and Khabib Nurmagomedov
MMA fans have been involved in endless debates over who the GOAT of the sport is. And recently, UFC fighter Michael Chandler was asked about his opinion on the matter as he spoke to Helen Yee on YouTube.
He was asked to choose between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St Pierre as the GOAT of MMA. Chandler had a tough time choosing between the two, but ultimately stated his choice.
Chandler specified the fact that he takes everything into account when answering such things; failed drug tests, records, as well as legacy.
Both fighters have never had a doping scandal, obviously. In addition to that, Iron says that Nurmagomedov has an undefeated record but GSP has the better legacy.
However, Chandler does note that this is probably because GSP’s peak came a few years back. Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, is of this era and hence, he might get the “legend” status a little later on.
GSP #1, Khabib a close second for the MMA GOAT status
He said that the Russian is his pick for the lightweight GOAT. However, he went with Georges St Pierre as the GOAT of the sport, adding that Nurmagomedov is a close second.
“I would still have to lean towards GSP, but Khabib is a close second. I would go GSP number 1, followed very closely by Khabib.”
Chandler made sure to note of the way the Russian finished Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 and praised his ability to get finishes against tough opponents.
While his opinion would certainly spark debates, it would have garnered the same response if he stated that Khabib was his GOAT. There are cases to be made for both to receive that #1 status.
It probably depends on what a fan considers as the criteria for labelling someone as the GOAT. And if Chandler rates them on the basis of how illustrious their career has been, the Canadian may just take the care there.
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