Jon Jones and Nate Diaz believe that Islam Makhachev has a lot of work to do to strengthen his legacy as a big one.
The UFC Lightweight Champion is generally considered today as the best pound-for-pound hunter in MMA.
UFC boss Dana White believes that he is also the largest star of 155 pounds that the sport has ever produced.
Nevertheless, two of the peers of Islam Makhachet have tried to trivialize their performance in the sport.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Jon Jones & Nate Diaz Talk Islam Makhachev
Jon Jones and Nate Diaz were recently announced as coaches for a knock -off from 'The Ultimate Fighter'.
During the filming for 'Alf Reality', the legendary UFC duo was caught on the camera on discussing Makhachev, who they both agree on, has a way to go before it is established as a real MMA icon.
“He is still a bit new in the sport, but he has a great future ahead,” said Jon Jones about 27-1 Russian.
Nate Diaz added: “He previously has a lot of work to do [he reaches the level of Jones].
“You kept going and are still. How is it even argued?”
Jones also explained why a long service life is the most difficult to reach in the UFC.
“The longer you are at the top, the more time your opponent gets your images,” he explained.
“People fix to fight you instead of the next opponent.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult as you stay lang for longer.”
What is the next step for Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev quickly tapped Renato Moicano to defend his lightweight title on UFC 311 in January.
Then it seems that the protégé from Khabib Nurmagomedov will move to the Welterweight division.
Makhachev confirmed his next opponent after looking at Jack della Maddalena Dethrone 170LB Koning Belal Muhammad on UFC 315 on Saturday evening.
“Time to become a double champion. #Inshaallah. Let's go,” he tweeted.
By becoming a two-weight UFC champion, Makhachev will match a performance that Jones reaches.
Perhaps that is enough to elevate him in the eyes of skeptical UFC stars Jones and Diaz.