Jon Jones Backed as GOAT Over Islam Makhachev by Merab Dvalishvili After Recent Debate

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili makes his choice between Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones' standing in the GOAT debate.

Jon Jones Backed as GOAT Over Islam Makhachev by Merab Dvalishvili After Recent Debate

Merab Dvalishvili chooses Jon Jones over Islam Makhachev (via MMA Fighting, UFC)

Jon Jones has long held the UFC GOAT status through dominance across two divisions and 16 title fights. However, Islam Makhachev may have entered the conversation after breaking Anderson Silva’s record for the longest UFC winning streak. Makhachev also became the fifth fighter to defend a title in a second division.

Makhachev built a dominant lightweight resume, winning the title and making four defenses before moving to welterweight. He has five UFC lightweight title wins, the most in division history, plus a 14-fight divisional winning streak. At UFC 330, he defended his welterweight title against Ian Garry and extended his UFC winning streak to 17.

Many believed Makhachev’s achievements had cemented his place in the UFC GOAT conversation among all-time greats. Jones has always defended his standing in that debate and questioned Makhachev being called the GOAT. However, former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili believes Jones remains the greatest fighter.

For me, goat is Jon Jones, you know, he has the most title defense and he was fighting for title fights and main events… so Islam is a great fighter and… you know I mean he’s one of the goats but the real goat is Jon Jones you know but yeah all the respect for Islam Makhachev.

Merab Dvalishvili via Helen Yee Sports

Interestingly, Jones acknowledged Makhachev’s standing just weeks before UFC 330, suggesting they shared the GOAT position. However, the Albuquerque native later questioned that stance by highlighting his 16 title fights. Jones questioned how Makhachev being considered the UFC GOAT made sense despite their differing title-fight totals.

Makhachev and Dvalishvili have a history, with the Georgian star involved in a heated rivalry with Umar Nurmagomedov. The two previously exchanged words after Makhachev defended Nurmagomedov’s Dagestani heritage ahead of UFC 311. Their history adds another layer to Dvalishvili backing Jones in the GOAT debate.

However, Dvalishvili publicly backed Makhachev to become a two-division champion at UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena. The Georgian star believed Makhachev’s fight IQ and wrestling would play a major role. That proved accurate, as Makhachev dominated JDM on the ground throughout five rounds to win the welterweight title.

This is also not the only time in recent days that Jones has had to defend his standing in the UFC GOAT debate. When Daniel Cormier chose Khabib Nurmagomedov based on his undefeated record and dominance, Jones launched a lengthy response. He questioned Cormier’s credibility and accused his former rival of jealousy.

Speaking of Khabib Nurmagomedov, many now believe Islam Makhachev has surpassed ‘The Eagle’ after winning and defending a second divisional championship. If he can keep on winning, Makhachev could pose serious challenge to Jon Jones’ long-held GOAT status.

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Rising heavyweight contender makes his stance clear on the Islam Makhachev vs Jon Jones GOAT debate

Jon Jones returned after more than three years away at UFC 285, facing Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title. Jones quickly submitted Gane in the first round to become heavyweight champion. He later defended the belt by stopping Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, before retiring in June 2025 after months of inactivity.

However, Jones has remained active in MMA through coaching Gable Steveson, helping the Olympic gold medalist transition from wrestling. Steveson made his MMA debut under the LFA banner before competing in Dirty Boxing and later continuing his MMA run. He recorded wins over Braden Peterson, Kevin Hein and Hugo Lezama.

Jon Jones and Gable Steveson
Jon Jones and Gable Steveson (via Instagram)

Since then, Steveson has made his UFC debut, knocking out Elisha Ellison in the first round at UFC 329. ‘Bones’ was in Steveson’s corner for the heavyweight’s Octagon debut. As the Islam Makhachev-Jon Jones GOAT debate continues, the Olympic superstar has now offered his perspective on the matter.

You know actually me and Jon spoke about this on the phone yesterday. He called me and he was like ‘I guess there is a new GOAT now’. I was like well yeah they are handing it off to Islam. But he (Jones) posted a picture of his title defenses. You know I think the world is changing now where guys are introducing the GOAT’s a lot. The fans are different, the fans are younger they want to see a new guy dominate and that is what Islam is doing right now. But I think until you beat that 17 defense (actually 16 title fights) number it’s gotta be hard.

Gable Steveson via MMA Fighting

Gable Steveson is now preparing for his next UFC outing against Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 on September 19.

The Olympic gold medalist will look to build on his first-round UFC 329 victory over Ellison. While Jon Jones is currently involved in the GOAT debate, he will likely return to coaching duties soon.

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