In the highly competitive world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), every ranking and match-up matters. Recently, UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev voiced his dissatisfaction with his current standing in the pound-for-pound rankings. Despite holding a formidable record and being a dominant force in his weight class, Makhachev finds himself at No. 3 in the men's category, trailing behind Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski and Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev's Critique of the Rankings
Makhachev didn't mince words when expressing his disapproval of the rankings during Wednesday's UFC 294 media day. The Dagestani fighter criticized the system, particularly taking a jab at Jon Jones for declining a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen. Makhachev argued that true champions should be ready to face any opponent, regardless of the circumstances.
“This is what UFC champions have to do,” Makhachev said. “If you’re a real champion, you have to take a fight, doesn’t matter how many days, who it’s going to be. Not like your pound-for-pound champion when they give him Chael Sonnen. If you’re a real champion, you have to fight.”
Makhachev further questioned the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter, scrutinizing the quality of Jones' last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and announced his decision to stop following them.
A Rematch on the Horizon
Makhachev, boasting a 24-1 MMA and 13-1 UFC record, will headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. Originally, Makhachev was scheduled to face Charles Oliveira. However, due to a nasty cut above Oliveira's right eye, Volkanovski was named as the replacement on short notice.
Makhachev had previously faced Volkanovski at UFC 284. Despite being ranked No. 2 at the time, Makhachev triumphed over the No. 1-ranked Volkanovski. Yet, a few months later, he found himself at No. 3, with Volkanovski and Jones ahead of him. This has led to Makhachev's displeasure with the ranking system.
“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,” Makhachev stated.
Jones' Response
Jon Jones responded to Makhachev’s remarks on Twitter in a composed manner, wishing him the best. Many fans praised Jones for his classy response. Jones is not new to this, as Makhachev has criticized him about the pound-for-pound rankings on multiple occasions. Previously, Makhachev 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 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.”
In his next bout, Jones will defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. This marks his inaugural defense of the heavyweight belt, secured after beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.