
This comparison proves that you can’t just blindly compare the amount of titles defenses
One of the most common arguments for deciding who the MMA GOAT is has always been the number of title defenses. But I think that argument is pretty outdated. Fighters from older eras often got title shots much earlier in their careers, which gave them more chances to rack up defenses.
You can’t just look at the number of defenses. You have to look at who they actually beat and the quality of those wins. Beating elite fighters should matter more than simply having a higher number of title defenses.
Between GSP and Islam (excluding Moicano who was a literal last minute replacement fight), the only title defense better than any of Islam’s is Matt Hughes.