Dana White surprises and reveals why he doesn't consider Islam Makhachev the greatest fighter in history.

Dana White at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Islam Makhachev already has legendary status in MMA, but this Saturday (15), in Philadelphia (USA), he could elevate his status to a rare level. In the main event of UFC 330 , the Russian, welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg), faces Ian Garry and, if he wins, he will break Anderson Silva 's record for the longest winning streak in the company's history (16), and will definitively enter the race for the title of best fighter of all time. However, Dana White has a different opinion.

In an interview with 'TMZ Sports', the UFC president believes that Makhachev is not yet qualified to be considered the greatest MMA fighter in history because of a single slip-up in action, namely, a defeat. The Russian's negative result occurred in the UFC in 2015, when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins in the first round.

See too

The greatest of all time? Islam Makhachev could break Anderson Silva's 14-year record at UFC 330; understand the details.

Video: Islam Makhachev gets angry and tells Ian Garry to shut up at the UFC 330 press conference: 'Nobody likes him'

Brazilian? Ian Garry embraces his new nationality and praises 4 legends from the country after Makhachev's provocation at UFC 330.

It's true that Dana White recognizes the athlete's greatness, the former lightweight king (up to 70,3 kg) and current welterweight champion. However, despite the subject always generating discussion among MMA fans and professionals, the UFC president considers Jon Jones the best fighter of all time.

“If he hadn’t had that loss, we’d probably consider him the greatest of all time right now. When you talk about everything that’s at stake for Makhachev this weekend, breaking Anderson Silva ’s record , he already holds a myriad of UFC records,” he said.

“Considering Makhachev’s current situation, there’s a possibility he could enter the discussion about who is the greatest of all time. If he breaks Anderson Silva ’s record on Saturday… His list of achievements continues,” he concluded.

Makhachev's history in MMA

Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Islam Makhachev , 34, is a UFC double champion and an MMA legend. With four successful title defenses, the Russian holds the record in the lightweight division. He began his career in the sport in 2010 and debuted in the biggest organization in MMA in 2015.

In this discipline, Khabib Nurmagomedov 's friend built a record of 28 wins and one loss. The welterweight champion's main victories were over Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Arman Tsarukyan , Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Jack Della Maddalena , and Renato Moicano.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.