In a move both symbolic and provocative, Tony Ferguson — one of the most controversial figures in UFC lightweight history — has weighed in on a question that continues to echo throughout the MMA world: Who is better: Islam Makhachev or Khabib Nurmagomedov?
This is no longer a fan debate; it has become a legitimate topic in analytical circles, especially now that Makhachev has defended his title four times, surpassing his mentor Khabib, who retired after just three title defenses.
From Scores to Sensitivities
In a candid interview with Helen Yee, Ferguson — who was scheduled to face Khabib five times before each bout was canceled — stated:
“I think Makhachev is the better wrestler. He’s faster, and Khabib is a bit more reserved…”
The statement rekindles the dormant rivalry between Ferguson and Khabib. While the two never faced off, the evaluation of legacy and the deconstruction of Khabib’s aura continues — a fighter long seen as one of the greatest in UFC history.
Is the Move to 170 lbs a Masterstroke?
Ferguson called Makhachev’s potential move to 170 lbs “a smart step to build a legacy,” opening up a new line of thought:
Is Khabib’s legacy truly threatened — not by critics, but by someone from his own camp?
Could Makhachev, a product of the same school and philosophy, actually surpass his mentor?
Has Khabib’s Aura Faded Post-Retirement?
It’s especially notable that this insight comes from Ferguson, a man who long dreamed of facing Khabib. Though the eagle retired at the peak of his powers, El Cucuy insists on keeping his legacy open to review — as if to say, “You didn’t fight me, and retirement doesn’t mean you’re above comparison.”
Ferguson’s support for Makhachev appears rooted not in bias, but in data: wrestling style, adaptability, mental sharpness — all factors that point to an evolving fighter prepared to dominate beyond the lightweight division.
Thought-Provoking Questions:
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Is Khabib’s legacy gradually losing its shine under Makhachev’s growing dominance?
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Are title defenses a reliable metric for greatness?
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Could Makhachev’s move to welterweight reshape the top tier of the UFC?
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Is a new narrative forming around “who’s truly the greatest”?
This is more than just a headline — it’s a deep-rooted reflection on what defines legacy: performance or perception?
In MMA, every word carries weight, and every opinion can spark a war — even if it never happens inside the Octagon.
