UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre recently weighed in on the pound-for-pound discussion, and his opinion might surprise some fans. After Islam Makhachev’s impressive fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, St-Pierre declared that Makhachev is currently the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA.
Makhachev’s Recent Dominance
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) has been on a tear in the lightweight division. His three consecutive title defenses have showcased not only his technical prowess but also his heart and resilience. In the fight against Poirier, Makhachev battled through a bad cut on his forehead, demonstrating his determination and grit.
Georges St-Pierre’s High Praise
Georges St-Pierre, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, believes that Makhachev is well on his way to joining that elite status. The Canadian legend praised Makhachev’s performances, especially his recent win over Alexander Volkanovski. St-Pierre sees Makhachev as a top-three fighter in the sport and believes he’s already making his mark as an all-time great.
“I think right now he’s the best pound-for-pound right now,” St-Pierre said to coach Firas Zahabi on the Tristar Gym YouTube channel. Because of his last few performances. Just amazing. An amazing showcase of heart, too, because he had a bad cut on his forehead and Poirier gave him a tough time. Pushed the pace to the edge, and I think that fight is going to make Makhachev even better. These are the fights that make you grow.”
The Pound-for-Pound Debate
UFC CEO Dana White had previously dubbed Jon Jones as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. However, St-Pierre’s endorsement of Makhachev adds another layer to the ongoing debate. While opinions may differ, there’s no denying that Makhachev’s dominance and skill set have caught the attention of fellow fighters and fans alike.
Georges St-Pierre’s endorsement solidifies Makhachev’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world. As the Dagestani fighter continues to impress, the pound-for-pound rankings may see further shifts.