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The title of GOAT (greatest of all time) belongs to an individual whom is not only one of the greatest to ever compete in MMA, but also the individual whom has had the most decorated and influential impact on society outside of the cage/ring. This individual is THE icon of MMA.
In my opinion, there is simply not a 'GOAT' in the sport of mixed martial arts, not yet anyways. This isn't due to a lack of competence and skill, as there has been a plethora of excellent fighters over the course of MMA's history, but more-so because of the fact that MMA is still relatively young as a sport.
In the game of basketball, Michael Jordan is the GOAT. He was one of the best players to ever play the game, but more-so than that, it is his success and influence outside of the court which garners his status as GOAT. The global impact he had in the 90s cannot be matched by any other player. His shoes are still beyond relevant, 20 years removed from his heyday. Every single person who plays or watches basketball - whether they are a casual or a hardcore fan - knows who MJ is. He is the ICON of basketball.
Can the same be said about an MMA fighter? Is there an MMA fighter whom everyone knows of (even the casuals), that has had a stellar MMA career - displaying a wide variety of skills, techniques and moves while beating the other top fighters in their respective divisions - all while having an influential and global impact? I certainly cannot think of one..
Fedor - the casuals don't know who he is.
Jones - the casuals don't know who he is.
Aldo - the casuals don't know who he is.
Silva - worldwide influence lacking.
Conor - has the global influence and recognition, but doesn't have the MMA resume.
GSP - perhaps the closest thing to a 'true' GOAT, but even his influence worldwide is tainted.
Mighty Mouse - the casuals don't know who he is.
There is no 'GOAT', not yet anyways - the sport is simply too young in its history. It took basketball (MJ) and boxing (Ali) 40+ years to develop a 'true' GOAT.
There is however, a BOAT (best of all time) - the fighter which is the most skilled and has defeated the stiffest competition. Recognition, popularity, global impact, etc etc, are non-factors when determining the BOAT, and Mighty Mouse is clearly that person. The skills and techniques he has shown have been unmatched.
The GOAT's of boxing are Ali and Tyson. Guys like Hopkins, Roy Jones, Marciano, etc, are known as LEGENDS.
The GOAT of basketball is Michael Jordan. Guys like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Pistol Pete, Chamberlain, etc, are known as LEGENDS.
Similarly, someday there will be a TRUE GOAT in MMA, and guys like Fedor, Aldo, MM, GSP, etc, will all be known as the LEGENDS.
The sport is too young.
In my opinion, there is simply not a 'GOAT' in the sport of mixed martial arts, not yet anyways. This isn't due to a lack of competence and skill, as there has been a plethora of excellent fighters over the course of MMA's history, but more-so because of the fact that MMA is still relatively young as a sport.
In the game of basketball, Michael Jordan is the GOAT. He was one of the best players to ever play the game, but more-so than that, it is his success and influence outside of the court which garners his status as GOAT. The global impact he had in the 90s cannot be matched by any other player. His shoes are still beyond relevant, 20 years removed from his heyday. Every single person who plays or watches basketball - whether they are a casual or a hardcore fan - knows who MJ is. He is the ICON of basketball.
Can the same be said about an MMA fighter? Is there an MMA fighter whom everyone knows of (even the casuals), that has had a stellar MMA career - displaying a wide variety of skills, techniques and moves while beating the other top fighters in their respective divisions - all while having an influential and global impact? I certainly cannot think of one..
Fedor - the casuals don't know who he is.
Jones - the casuals don't know who he is.
Aldo - the casuals don't know who he is.
Silva - worldwide influence lacking.
Conor - has the global influence and recognition, but doesn't have the MMA resume.
GSP - perhaps the closest thing to a 'true' GOAT, but even his influence worldwide is tainted.
Mighty Mouse - the casuals don't know who he is.
There is no 'GOAT', not yet anyways - the sport is simply too young in its history. It took basketball (MJ) and boxing (Ali) 40+ years to develop a 'true' GOAT.
There is however, a BOAT (best of all time) - the fighter which is the most skilled and has defeated the stiffest competition. Recognition, popularity, global impact, etc etc, are non-factors when determining the BOAT, and Mighty Mouse is clearly that person. The skills and techniques he has shown have been unmatched.
The GOAT's of boxing are Ali and Tyson. Guys like Hopkins, Roy Jones, Marciano, etc, are known as LEGENDS.
The GOAT of basketball is Michael Jordan. Guys like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Pistol Pete, Chamberlain, etc, are known as LEGENDS.
Similarly, someday there will be a TRUE GOAT in MMA, and guys like Fedor, Aldo, MM, GSP, etc, will all be known as the LEGENDS.
The sport is too young.
