UFC champ says Charles Oliveira in lightweight GOAT conversation

“Greatest of all time, the GOAT — what’s the criteria for that? Is it just accolades?” Sterling asked during a UFC 289 reaction video on his YouTube channel. “Because if it’s just accolades, Charles Oliveira has a pretty damn good resume. From title defenses, style points on finishes, been in the game longer.”

Many would argue that the crown for greatest lightweight fighter of all time is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s to lose. The 34-year-old Russian retired in October 2020 with a 29-0 overall record and a 4-0 record in title fights with three title defenses.

Nurmagomedov, who had the longest reign (1,077 days) as lightweight champion in UFC history and the most consecutive wins in the division (13), was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022.

“I know people are going to say well Khabib has never lost a round, he never saw his own blood,” Sterling continued. “I understand never losing a round is a very impressive stat as well (but) I would argue that Connor (McGregor) has won some rounds against him. One for sure, maybe two. But I think this is a real conversation we have to have and consider.”

Oliveira, the No. 1-ranked lightweight in the UFC, now has stoppage victories over the No. 2 through 5-ranked fighters in the division (Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Dariush and Michael Chandler). The TKO win over Dariush also netted him his 13th Performance of the Night bonus, extending his record for most post-fight bonuses (19) and most finishes in the UFC (20).

A winner in 12 of his last 13 fights, Oliveira now has victories over five fighters who either won or fought for a UFC title or interim title.