UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has voiced his disapproval of his current position in the men’s pound-for-pound ranking. Currently occupying the No. 3 spot, Makhachev sits just below featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev's Critique of the Rankings
In a recent media event for UFC 294, Makhachev criticized the rankings, particularly taking aim at Jon Jones. The Dagestani fighter argued that a true champion should be prepared to face any opponent, regardless of circumstances, contrasting this with Jones' decision to decline a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen.
"This is what UFC champions have to do," Makhachev stated during Wednesday’s UFC 294 media day. "If you’re a real champion, you have to take the fight, no matter how many days notice you get or who it’s going to be against. Not like your pound-for-pound champion when they offered him Chael Sonnen. If you're a real champion, you have to fight."
Further, Makhachev questioned the rationale behind ranking Jones as the top fighter, given the quality of Jones' last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and declared his decision to stop paying attention to them.
The Road to UFC 294
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is set to headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. Originally, Makhachev had been scheduled to face Charles Oliveira. However, due to an injury, “The Great” was named as the replacement on short notice. Oliveira suffered a cut above his right eye, described as both “nasty” and “disgusting,” leading to his withdrawal from the fight.
Makhachev previously faced Volkanovski at UFC 284. Despite being ranked No. 2 at the time, Makhachev triumphed over the No. 1-ranked Volkanovski. However, a few months later, he found himself at No. 3, with Volkanovski and Jones ahead of him, sparking his displeasure with the ranking system.
When asked about his issue with the rankings, Makhachev said, "Because last time I beat him already. The last fight, it was No. 2 vs. No. 1. If you beat No. 1, you have to be No. 1, but I don’t know who makes the rankings."
Jones' Response
Responding to Makhachev’s remarks on Twitter, Jones wished him all the best. "I wish you all the best Habibi," Jones tweeted, using Makhachev’s Twitter username.
"As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about in life. Islam made some negative comments recently," Jones added. "No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now."
Fans praised Jones for his measured response to Makhachev's criticism. This isn't the first time that Makhachev has criticized Jones about the pound-for-pound rankings. In a previous interview, the Russian fighter questioned why Jones held the No. 1 ranking when he had only secured one victory in the last three years.
Jones himself has openly criticized the current UFC ranking system before. In 2021, when he fell to No. 4 due to inactivity, he took a jab at middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya, criticizing him for his higher ranking despite his inability to defend takedowns.
"When you're ranked over Jon Jones on a pound-for-pound list but know you can’t defend a takedown," he said on Twitter. "It’s funny seeing people have the satisfaction of being ranked over me when I’m not even competing. Just take me off that silly list."
Upcoming Bout
In his next bout, Jones will defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. This marks his first defense of the heavyweight belt, which he secured after defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.