While some acknowledge his impressive run, others are pushing back on the idea that he's already reached that elite level. It's a conversation that highlights the high standards and fierce competition at the top of the sport, and it's clear that opinions are divided on where Makhachev currently stands in the pantheon of MMA greats.
Sources (13)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Islam Makhachev's UFC GOAT case gets pushback from former champs (Sherdog)
- Dana White addresses Khamzat Chimaev’s potential UFC 333 return (Sherdog)
- UFC 332 adds four bouts as Salt Lake City card takes shape (Sherdog)
- ‘What are we waiting for?’: Khamzat Chimaev pushes for UFC return as Dana White considers Abu Dhabi option (The Mac Life)
- Erdogan Vs. Elliott MMA Clash, Lessei Vs. Guest Muay Thai Firefight Added To ONE Fight Night 48 (Yahoo Sports)
- Henry Cejudo doubts Ian Garry will get another UFC title shot (Sherdog)
- Islam Makhachev's UFC GOAT case gets pushback from former champs (Yahoo Sports)
- Dana White reveals Contender Series graduates have earned $252.3M in UFC fighter pay since 2017 (Bloody Elbow)
- Trent Miller earns UFC deal with rare DWCS shoulder choke (Sherdog)
- Dana White awards six UFC contracts after historic DWCS Week 2 (Sherdog)
- DWCS Season 10, Week 2 results: Kaik Brito starches Namo Fazil with brutal knockout punch (MMA Fighting)
- Henry Cejudo Says Ian Machado Garry Missed Every Box In UFC 330 Title Shot Fallout (MiddleEasy)
- PFL Tampa Quiz: Test your Cris Cyborg knowledge (Sherdog)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the August 19, 2026 edition of the daily show.