The debate over the greatest MMA fighter of all time (GOAT) has been ongoing for years, with fans and experts divided over several legendary names.
But for Rafael Fiziev, the answer is simple. In a recent interview ahead of UFC 313, the lightweight contender was asked to name his MMA GOAT, and his response might surprise some fans—he picked Khabib Nurmagomedov over Jon Jones.
Why Rafael Fiziev Picks Khabib Over Jon Jones as the GOAT
During a quickfire Q&A with TNT Sports, Fiziev wasted no time in naming Khabib Nurmagomedov as his all-time greatest fighter. His reasoning? Khabib is the only dominant champion who never lost a fight in his professional career.
The guy who never lost. The one guy. It’s Khabib.
While Jon Jones is often considered the best, many argue that his only career loss—a disqualification against Matt Hamill—shouldn’t count. However, Fiziev believes that no other fighter has left the sport on a more dominant note than Khabib, who retired undefeated with a perfect 29-0 record.
Khabib’s Legacy: Why His Undefeated Record Matters
Unlike many champions who experience ups and downs, Khabib never lost a fight in his UFC career. He defended the lightweight title three times before retiring in 2020 after his father and longtime coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away.
Khabib’s dominance inside the Octagon was undeniable, with wins over top names like:
- Conor McGregor (Submission, UFC 229)
- Dustin Poirier (Submission, UFC 242)
- Justin Gaethje (Submission, UFC 254)
His wrestling-heavy style made him one of the most feared fighters in MMA history. Unlike many greats who fought past their prime, Khabib walked away at the peak of his career, making his legacy even more special.
Fiziev’s Pick for the Best Fight and Knockout Ever
In addition to naming his MMA GOAT, Fiziev also gave his opinion on the greatest fight and best knockout he has ever witnessed. Interestingly, both answers came from the same fight—Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway at UFC 300.
The BMF title bout between Holloway and Gaethje was expected to be a war, but it exceeded expectations. The two engaged in a nonstop striking battle, with neither backing down. Then, in the final seconds, Holloway landed a stunning knockout that left Gaethje face-first on the canvas.
Fiziev vs. Gaethje 2: UFC 313 Rematch Set to Be a War
With UFC 313 around the corner, Fiziev will now face Justin Gaethje in a rematch of their first fight at UFC 286, where Gaethje narrowly edged out a victory.
This time, Fiziev is looking for revenge, and with Gaethje coming off that brutal loss to Holloway, both fighters are hungry for redemption.
