Matt Brown: Fabricio Werdum is not the greatest just because he beat the greatest

Welterweight contender Matt Brown -- much like Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White -- isn't ready to crown Fabricio Werdum "the greatest of all time" after dethroning Cain Velasquez at last weekend's (Sat., June 13, 2015) UFC 188 event in Mexico (see it).

Not even defeating Fedor Emelianenko -- which Werdum did in 2010 -- is good enough to earn the title of G.O.A.T.

During his recent conversation on The Great MMA Debate podcast, Brown insists that as impressive as Werdum's victory was, you don't become the greatest of all time by defeating one of the greatest of all time.

His words:

"I can't even say that, man. He just now got the belt, he just now unified the belt. It's kind of like saying (Chris) Weidman is the greatest because he beat one of the greatest. You've got to make your own way. The whole 'greatest of all time' (debate) is not a linear thing. You don't take that from someone just because you beat them. Larry Holmes didn't become the greatest when he beat (Muhammad) Ali. Know what I mean? It doesn't work that way."

Strong point.

While he may not be there (yet), Werdum could capture the label before his mixed martial arts (MMA) career is over.

Just looking at his track record -- which includes his current six-fight win streak and victories over several notable champions -- it will be hard to not include "Vai Cavalo" in the conversation. Especially if he defends the UFC's 265-pound title a few times.

Who that will be against first, remains to be seen.