ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev is extremely dissatisfied with his position in the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings.
The UFC lightweight champion launched a scathing attack on the rankings while also taking a swipe at UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones in anticipation of his comeback fight this Saturday. Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) headlines UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning 145-pound titleholder.
Makhachev has accepted this fight on short notice, stepping in for the injured Charles Oliveira. He believes that true champions should always be ready to fight, unlike Jones, who is ranked higher than him in the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings and famously refused a last-minute replacement fight against Chael Sonnen, resulting in the cancellation of UFC 151.
“This is what UFC champions have to do,” Makhachev declared at Wednesday’s UFC 294 media day. “If you’re a true champion, you have to accept any fight, regardless of how much notice you have or who the opponent is. Unlike your pound-for-pound champion when they give him Chael Sonnen. If you’re a true champion, you have to fight.”
“They’ve put him (Jon Jones) at No.1, the current No. 1 fighter, but who has he beaten in his last five fights? We don’t see some notable names in the top pound-for-pound rankings. I just want to say that these rankings and all these things are nonsense, and I’m no longer paying attention to them.”
Makhachev defeated Volkanovski back in February at UFC 284. It was a clash between the No. 1 and No. 2 fighters on the UFC pound-for-pound list.
Makhachev, then ranked No. 2, emerged victorious against the No. 1 ranked Volkanovski. Yet, just a few months later, he finds himself at No. 3 behind Volkanovski and Jones. This is a source of great frustration for him.
“Because I’ve already beaten him,” Makhachev responded when asked why he disagrees with the rankings. “Our last fight was a battle between No. 2 and No. 1. If you beat the No. 1, you should be the No. 1, but I don’t know who determines the rankings.”
It didn’t take long for Jones to catch wind of these comments and fire back at Makhachev. Below, you can see Jones’ response to Makhachev’s statements:
Jon Jones’ initial comment
Jon Jones focused on Stipe Miocic, not Islam Makhachev
As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about in life. Islam made some negative comments recently. No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now. https://t.co/fF0OJI9iYy
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 18, 2023
Jon Jones ok with being criticized
Jon Jones tells Islam Makhachev to catch up
I want to encourage the young fighters to beat some of my records instead of using their lips. Now thats gangsta.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 18, 2023
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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