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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
MMA Junkie Staff

Video: Is Islam Makhachev an all-time great, or is the jury still out?

Islam Makhachev made a statement in his win at UFC 294.

The UFC lightweight champion looked better than ever when he took out featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski with a first-round knockout after he landed a head kick. Not only did Makhachev put a stamp on his rivalry with Volkanovski, but the 31-year-old has now won 13 straight fights, is 14-1 in the UFC, and has finishes in six of his past seven appearances.

Is it time that we place Makhachev’s name among the all-time greats in the lightweight division? If that status is a little premature, what more does he need to do to solidify his place among the best to ever do it at 155 pounds? What about all-time great status regardless of division?

We asked our “Spinning Back Clique” to look at Makhachev’s resume from a historical perspective. Farah Hannoun, Nolan King, and Brian “Goze” Garcia discuss with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

You can watch their conversation in the video above, and then check out this week’s complete episode below on YouTube or in podcast form.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

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