The MMA GOAT debate is always an exciting conversation in the MMA community, especially if it involves the opinions of top contenders in the UFC, such as Michael Chandler. Considering Chandler is a decorated name in the sport, it gives him credibility to influence the GOAT debate.
Recently, Helen Yee Sports interviewed a few well-known UFC superstars on the GOAT debate. It is always tough to name the MMA GOAT, and it was the same case for Chandler. It is because he is the type of guy who takes everything under consideration. If there is a failed drug test or something similar to it, Chandler leans away from those kinds of things.
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In this interview, Chandler revealed his MMA GOAT, and it’s not Khabib Nurmagomedov.
When Chandler revealed his GOAT pick, he said – “I mean Khabib. You gotta look at Khabib and you gotta look at GSP. GSP, of course, is not undefeated. You look at the records. Khabib is undefeated.”
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 04: Georges St-Pierre of Canada prepares to enter the Octagon prior to facing Michael Bisping of England in their UFC middleweight championship bout during the UFC 217 event inside Madison Square Garden on November 4, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
To explain this GOAT comparison between Georges St-Pierre and ‘The Eagle’, Chandler looked at their MMA careers. He believes that St-Pierre had an illustrious career as compared to the Dagestani juggernaut.
The UFC lightweight title challenger reasoned- “I would still have to lean towards GSP, but Khabib is a close second. I mean, looking so impressive. The way he finishes Justin Gaethje. You guys were there a couple of months ago. The way he finished him. The way he walked him down with reckless abandon.”
Also Read: Georges St-Pierre- Is He the Greatest Fighter of All Times?
Michael Chandler shows respect to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Michael Chandler may have declared Georges St-Pierre the MMA GOAT, but he also respects ‘The Eagle’ and believes that he had a great MMA career.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia celebrates his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
To show his respect to Khabib, Chandler talked about Nurmagomedov’s fight at UFC 254, where the champion opted to trade with the challenger before establishing his grappling dominance on the bout. He also touched upon Nurmagomedov’s finishes in his previous title defense bouts.
In conclusion, Chandler said – “So I would go GSP number one followed very closely by Khabib.”
Also Read: 5 Insane Achievements Khabib Nurmagomedov Has Recorded in The UFC
What did you make of the former Bellator MMA lightweight champion’s take of the GOAT debate?
