Jon Jones disputes Islam Makhachev as MMA GOAT: "Make it make sense"

Jon Jones is pumping the brakes on the Islam Makhachev GOAT train. While many are now hailing the Dagestani star as the greatest fighter of all time following his welterweight title defense at UFC 330, Jones took to social media to express his disapproval, while bringing up his own octagon success.

Jon Jones dismisses Islam Makhachev's GOAT status

For the longest time, Jon Jones was hailed as the greatest fighter of all time. He has a range of records to support his claim, and has never truly lost, besides a disqualification at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale against Matt Hamill, who he was dominating. However, Islam Makhachev has now surpassed him as the GOAT in many people's eyes. This change in the status quo has bothered 'Bones' enough to head to X to share a picture of his record of the most UFC title wins in history, while questioning Makhachev's standing as the greatest of all time.

"Hopped on social media and heard there was a new GOAT? I'm so confused, make it make sense."

This sparked an entire thread under his post, with numerous fans making different arguments in Makhachev's favor, while questioning the level of competition Jones faced throughout his career.

Hopped on social media and heard there was a new goat? I’m so confused make it make sense. pic.twitter.com/wLPew0DAnR

— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) August 19, 2026

At UFC 330, Makhachev successfully defended his welterweight title in a tough unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry. The win not only cemented him as a defending champion at welterweight, after spending most of his career dominating the lightweight division, where he was also a UFC champion, but it also extended his win streak to 17, which is the longest in UFC history, surpassing the previous record of 16 consecutive wins once held by the great Anderson Silva. Now, he will look to defend his title again, likely against streaking welterweight power-puncher Carlos Prates, who believes he can beat him.

Meanwhile, Jones has since retired from MMA, having last fought at UFC 309, where he defended his heavyweight belt in a third-round TKO of legendary 265-pounder Stipe Miocic. Despite the UFC's best attempts to persuade him to fight then interim champion Tom Aspinall, 'Bones' was dismissive and announced his retirement, though was willing to step inside the octagon one more time at UFC Freedom 250. Unfortunately for him, the UFC had other plans.