Georges St-Pierre has weighed in on what Islam Makhachev must do following UFC 330 to establish himself as the greatest of all time. St-Pierre offered his perspective on what it would take for Makhachev to solidify a legacy comparable to the sport's all-time greats.
Georges St-Pierre has shared his view on what Islam Makhachev must accomplish after UFC 330 to earn a place among the sport's all-time greats, adding one of MMA's most respected voices to the ongoing GOAT conversation.
Makhachev, 34, enters UFC 330 on August 15 as the reigning welterweight champion and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, carries a 28-1 record and has built his dominance on a suffocating blend of grappling and measured striking. He lands 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent — among the highest in the sport at his level.
St-Pierre, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, speaks from obvious authority on the subject. The Canadian, now 45 and retired with a 26-2 record, was himself defined by sustained excellence — averaging 4.16 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career while landing strikes at a 53 percent clip with his 76-inch reach. GSP outlined what he believes Makhachev would need to achieve following UFC 330 to build a legacy comparable to the sport's elite.
Why it matters
- Makhachev already holds the top pound-for-pound ranking, meaning his performances are now measured against historical benchmarks rather than divisional ones
- A strong showing at UFC 330 against Sean O'Malley — Machado Garry — would extend what is already a lengthy title reign
- St-Pierre's framing sets a public standard that will follow Makhachev into every future negotiation and fight announcement
- The welterweight division's long-term landscape depends significantly on how Makhachev's reign is perceived heading into late 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
