Debate over UFC GOAT rankings: Should Khabib and Conor be in top 10?

MMA commentator Kalugin responded to Vlad Matveev's top 10 greatest UFC fighters list, expressing surprise at the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. While respecting Matveev's comprehensive work, Kalugin argued that greatness should include criteria beyond titles and opposition quality, such as impact on the sport's popularization, peak performance dominance, commercial value, and inspiring future fighters. He proposed additional evaluation factors including geographical expansion of MMA, number of followers inspired to train, and record-breaking achievements. Based on his expanded criteria, Kalugin's personal top 10 includes Jon Jones first, followed by GSP, Khabib third, Conor fourth, and Jose Aldo fifth. He acknowledged the subjectivity of such rankings while defending the inclusion of fighters like Alex Pereira above traditional legends based on overall impact and dominance rather than longevity alone.