Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, recently shared on his social media a list highlighting the all-time greats of mixed martial arts. The roster reflects his view on the sport’s most influential figures and reshapes the conversation around who defined the sport across eras.
The proposed ranking unfolds as follows:
1. Fedor Emelianenko and Jon Jones
2. Georges St-Pierre
3. Anderson Silva
4. Demetrious Johnson
5. Daniel Cormier
6. Henry Cejudo
7. Jose Aldo
8. Kamaru Usman
9. Israel Adesanya
10. B.J. Penn
11. Royce Gracie
12. Randy Couture and Cain Velasquez
13. Dan Henderson and Maurício Rua
14. Mirko Cro Cop Filipović and Stipe Miocic
15. Dominick Cruz and Frankie Edgar
Nurmagomedov fought a total of 29 professional MMA bouts, winning every single one. His final appearance came in a victory over Justin Gaethje in the autumn of 2020, after which he declared his retirement. He explained to his mother that he had promised not to continue fighting without his father by his side. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, his father and longtime coach, passed away earlier that year due to complications from a coronavirus infection, a loss that had a profound impact on Khabib and his approach to the sport. [Citation: MMA history analysts]
Following retirement, Nurmagomedov launched the Eagle FC promotion, aiming to broaden opportunities for fighters and to bring top-level MMA action to new markets. The promotion held its maiden United States event on January 28, 2022, marking a new chapter in his post- fighting career where leadership and mentorship take center stage. [Citation: regional sports coverage]
In the world of coaching and training, observers have continued to assess Nurmagomedov’s influence on athletes and programs. A former MMA coach weighed in on Khabib’s current form and ongoing impact, noting how his philosophy and discipline continue to shape fighters inside and outside the octagon. The discussion underscores how his legacy endures as a benchmark for technique, strategy, and mental preparation in contemporary MMA. [Citation: coaching commentary]