Jon Jones praises Islam Makhachev, puts him in GOAT list

UFC legend Jon Jones has lauded Islam Makhachev as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Islam has become the two-division champion after dominating Jack Della Maddalena during a unanimous decision victory at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Maddalena was unbeaten since losing his first two pro MMA fights in 2016, and he had captured the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad in May.

However, Jack had no answer to the former lightweight champion's wrestling skills, who secured every takedown he chased and held the Australian fighter pressed to the canvas for extended periods.

During a recent interview with Red Corner MMA in Thailand, Jones was asked how he rates Islam Makhachev, to which he responded: "I think Islam is definitely one of the greatest fighters of all time. He is one of the guys for sure.

‘Bones’ is not surprised that the Dagestani fighter is dominating the competition and believes that the member of the Khabib Nurmagomedov team has been chosen to do great things.

"No, I'm not surprised he is dominating the competition. He is a special athlete. I mean, some guys are just chosen to do great things, and I think he is one of those guys,” Jon Jones said.

“I'm excited to watch the rest of his career. I think he has a lot of work to do, but he is on the right path. He is just doing everything right, and he is one of the guys in the sport I respect very much."