By 
GOAT debates are part of fight culture, and few voices carry more authority in that conversation than Daniel Cormier’s.
A former UFC champion in two weight classes and a longtime analyst of the sport, Cormier has shared the Octagon with legends and studied the evolution of mixed martial arts up close.
So when he was asked to name the greatest fighter of all time in each UFC division, fans knew his answers would come with both insight and strong opinions.
Rather than just listing names, Cormier explained the reasoning behind every pick — pointing to title fight records, dominance over elite rivals, and the overall impact each fighter had on the sport.
From technical pioneers to dominant champions, his selections paint a picture of how he defines true greatness inside the cage.
Starting at featherweight, Cormier backed Alexander Volkanovski and made it clear that résumé matters most at the top.
He’s got eight title fight wins now. Four of them came against Max Holloway and Jose Aldo. If you got four wins over the two other guys that are considered in that conversation, I think that’s what separates you.
At lightweight, there was no debate in his mind. Cormier went with his longtime teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov — and took it even further.
Greatest fighter of all time, in my opinion, is Khabib.
For welterweight, Cormier chose Georges St-Pierre, praising how complete and advanced GSP was compared to his era.
He was ahead of his time. Great wrestling, great cardio, great conditioning, striking. He just had it all.
At middleweight, the pick was Anderson Silva, with Cormier pointing to Silva’s star power and influence beyond MMA itself.
Roy Jones Jr. wanted to box Anderson Silva. That’s how big of a star Anderson became to mixed martial arts. Anderson Silva.
Cormier’s light heavyweight choice came with a notable caveat. While acknowledging what many fans think, he made it clear he couldn’t ignore past controversies.
Most people would think it would be Jon Jones, so I would not want to say that because he took steroids. If he ain’t, then it’s me.
Finally, at heavyweight, Cormier gave respect to the man who beat him in their rivalry, naming Stipe Miocic as the division’s greatest.
I’ll give Stipe credit because he beat me fair and square.”
DC’s list blends dominance, legacy, and lived experience at the highest level of the sport. Agree or disagree, his breakdown adds serious fuel to the never-ending GOAT debate in MMA.
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