“I truly, truly believe that (I can beat Jon Jones),” claimed NBA star James Johnson, who expressed confidence that with a bit of “ground work” training, he could overcome the UFC legend. Jon Jones, however, dismissed the claim, taking a jab at Johnson with a CTE joke and labeling the idea “crazy.” For the first time in UFC history, an athlete from a sport over 130 years old directly challenged a fighter. Joe Rogan then escalated the situation, “I don’t know what the f*ck is going on,” Rogan remarked. Though fans buried the debate back then, but it wasn’t the last time the two sports would cross paths.

Recently, UFC CEO Dana White reignited the rivalry between the NBA and UFC when he appeared on the Pound for Pound Podcast, saying that while everyone else might be watching the NBA, “world leaders aren’t watching NBA games, they’re watching fights on Saturday night.” The remark once again sparked debate over who stands taller, NBA stars or UFC fighters. In the midst of the controversy, Islam Makhachev shared his own one-line verdict on NBA stars.

Islam Makhachev opens up about his “first time” experience on a basketball court

Islam Makhachev and his team have already arrived in New York ahead of UFC 322, where he is set to make his 170-pound debut for the title against reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden. A week before the fight, the Russian star visited the iconic venue to watch the Knicks take on the Nets. During the game, Karl-Anthony Towns presented him with his jersey, which Makhachev shared on Instagram with the caption, “First time on the court. These big guys move fast!” His visit underscored a positive crossover between MMA and basketball amid the recent tensions.

Islam Makhachev received a warm reception from fans and athletes alike during the game. He even promised Anthony Towns, “After my fight, I will give you my t-shirt.” For Makhachev, the upcoming showdown with Jack Della Maddalena is not a battle to prove himself, as he has already established himself as one of the elite lightweights.

He aims to secure a second belt to honor his team and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam Makhachev’s NBA experience drew a reaction from Khabib Nurmagomedov, who joked, “He won’t help you in our game.”

Despite comparisons with NBA stars, fans and analysts consider the UFC fighter to hold the advantage. Back in 2017, however, Joe Rogan pointed out that LeBron James has the “most unfathomable physical advantage,” suggesting he could dominate anyone in combat sports. Rogan added, “See, if a guy like that, if he was fighting, everybody would be f****d!” On a hilarious note, he added, “They are godd**n lucky there’s that much money in basketball.” 

UFC CEO Dana White, however, sees things differently.

Dana White shares his thoughts on LeBron James vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Earlier this year, during the Canelo vs. Crawford press conference in September, White addressed how athletes from other sports would fare against UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. He made it clear that no one outside MMA could stand a real chance. Khabib retired undefeated at 29-0 in 2020, and White insisted that his wrestling would overwhelm stars like LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Jake Paul in mere seconds.

When someone mentioned LeBron Raymone James Sr., White laughed off the idea that the NBA superstar could hold his own against the former UFC champion. He added that it wouldn’t take long before Khabib took him down and ended the fight. “Not long. I don’t know. Ten seconds [against James as well]. He’s gonna get him, and he’s gonna strangle him or rip his arm off,” White told Overtime.

What do you think of Dana White’s take on the NBA? Could someone like Khabib Nurmagomedov realistically take on a 6’9″ athlete like LeBron James? Share your thoughts below.