What criteria do you use to determine GOAT?

[Eli1015]

There is ALOT of debate of who is the MMA GOAT. And rightfully so because it's really just an opinion who you believe is the best. Now here is my question. What criteria do you personally use to determine this? There are many many things to consider here. For instance.

GSP could be the GOAT if you consider pure dominance. He literally destroyed everyone he beat. Made them look like they didn't even belong in there. Also he fought great COMPETITION. But some people don't consider him the GOAT because his fighting style can be considered by some "Boring". Kinda the Floyd Mayweather effect from boxing

Anderson Silva could be the GOAT if you consider the MANNER in wich he beat his opponents. He was a very flashy striker that KOed people dead. Also outclassed many. Sometimes looked like he was out of this world. But some people don't consider him the GOAT because he had a pretty clear weakness to his game, his wrestling, and had been taken down repeatedly in his career, Sonnen clearly dominating the first fight. He also fought lesser competiton overall compared to GSP. Also had many more losses and didn't avenge them.

Some say Fedor is the GOAT. Similiar to the other 2 candidates. His dominance was amazing. He was almost like a combination of the 2 in the sense that he dominated people, and also was a very exciting fighter to watch. Whent like 10 years unbeaten. Main objection to this is he probably faced the worst competition of them all. And also pride being notorious for not testing for PEDS, it's safe to assume he could have been on the juice.

Etc etc. So what is your own criteria you use?

 

[Jermei]

Fedor.

 

[Eli1015]

Fedor.

Not a question of who you think is GOAT. But more so what is the most important thing to consider in coming to your decision.

 

[Shaddows]

it is not only about who is the best, but who proved to be the best.

For instance: Jon Jones (IMHO) seems to be the most skilled fighter to ever grace the octagon. But his issues, suspensions, etc cut his career short (so far) and who knows how he will come back?

That might not allow him to become the GOAT by beating the accomplishments of Anderson Silva, GSP or Fedor (whoever you pick for current GOAT).

GOAT is not about "potential" or a popularity contest. It is about accomplishments!

 

[TourIsOverBoyo]

Not a question of who you think is GOAT. But more so what is the most important thing to consider in coming to your decision.

Fedor

 

[TheRassler]

Finishes and fighting opponents that are bigger than you.


Fedor

 

[Eli1015]

Finishes and fighting opponents that are bigger than you.


Fedor

I respect your opinion. So would it be safe to assume you don't believe Floyd to be the Boxing GOAT either? Just curious nothing more.

 

[GreatSaintGuillotine]

Consistency, Dominance of you weight class, Title defenses, constantly improving your game, and ability to survive in bigger weight classes.

Fedor and Silva do these well. DJ needs to work on the latter but otherwise he's up there.

Edit: Leaving a positive impact on the sport is also important

 

[DaPunkMinowaMan]

1/ The way they dominated the game.

2/ The quality of their opponents.

3/ The innovations they brought to the game.

4/ How many HOFers in the resumé.

5/ Quality wins AND quality losses (= put wins & losses INTO CONTEXT)

6/ D2BG (Dared 2 Be Great?)... against heavier opponents.

 

[Wardum]

#1 cannot be a manlet

 

[TheRassler]

I respect your opinion. So would it be safe to assume you don't believe Floyd to be the Boxing GOAT either? Just curious nothing more.

Floyd is a FIVE weight boxing world champion, he's fought opponents bigger than him.

 

[gspieler]

Quality/signature wins
Quantity of wins
Fighting style
Longevity at the top
Finishes/HL reel moments
Legacy in the sport
Losses during their prime
Aurua

 

[Toner]

Skillset- Aldo
Resume- Aldo
Dominant post USADA- Aldo

Jose Aldo is the GOAT.

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

Pretty much lapping everyone in your division then destroying top opponents in " Superfights".

 

[DaPunkMinowaMan]

I respect your opinion. So would it be safe to assume you don't believe Floyd to be the Boxing GOAT either? Just curious nothing more.

PBF, GOAT?

 

[OlympicDom]

My criteria:

Longevity
Method of victories (Finishes rank higher than decision wins)
Quality of competition
Win-loss ratio

By my estimation, Fedor is the current GOAT, with Silva, Jones and GSP trailing. However, Jones can become the GOAT if he comes back and looks as good as he did pre-USADA. After all, Jon Jones is still undefeated, unlike basically everyone in the history of MMA.