​Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Jack Della Maddalena (not pictured) by unanimous decision in the welterweight championship bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
After beating Ian Machado Garry, Islam Makhachev further solidified himself as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time. How can we actually prove that he is the greatest lightweight champion in UFC history?When you compare his résumé to his only real competition, Khabib Nurmagomedov, one simple stat starts to make the argument a lot easier. Makhachev has more UFC lightweight title-fight wins.That sounds simple, but when you actually look at what it means, the difference starts to matter a lot more. Nurmagomedov Is The Only Real Competition
Sep 7, 2019; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Khabib Nurmagomedov (red gloves) reacts after defeating Dustin Poirier (not pictured) during UFC 242 at The Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
Nurmagomedov is really the only person standing in the way of Makhachev being called the greatest lightweight ever. Nurmagomedov retired 29-0, rarely looked hurt, and was one of the best grapplers the UFC has ever seen. Everyone knew what he was going to do, and nobody could stop it.The résumé also speaks for itself. Nurmagomedov beat Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje during his title run, and those were not easy fights on paper.This is where the stats start working against him. Nurmagomedov finished with four lightweight title-fight wins, while Makhachev finished with five. That is the stat that matters the mostThe One Stat That Changes The Argument
Oct 22, 2022; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Khabib Nurmagomedov is seen during the fight between Abubakar Nurmagomedov (red gloves) and Gadzhi Omargadzhiev (blue gloves) during UFC 280 at Etihad Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Kidwell-USA TODAY Sports
Title-fight wins are probably one of the easiest ways to judge how long someone actually dominated at the top. Regular wins matter, but championship fights are different. You are fighting the best fighters in the division, everyone is preparing specifically for you, and every fight comes with the pressure of keeping the belt.Makhachev did that more times; while Nurmagomedov had three successful title defenses, Makhachev had four. That means Makhachev not only reached the same level Nurmagomedov reached; he also stayed there longer and won more championship fights before moving up in weight.That is difficult to ignore.Makhachev Was Also More Complete
Aug 15, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights against Ian Machado Garry (blue gloves) in the welterweight title bout during UFC 330 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
This is where the argument gets even stronger. Nurmagomedov was probably the better pure grappler. His pressure, takedowns, and control