MJ would die before he ever said anybody was better than him. They could win 15 straight titles and he would be like "that nikka didn't beat me"
Jordan's ego wouldn't allow him to admit that someone was better than him even if they were. That's no shot at him, but it's the truth.
That's the case with a lot of OGs and why Montana's comments are refreshing. You can admit that someone is a better player than you without being concerned of being forgotten with time.