In the high-octane world of UFC, the pound-for-pound rankings are a topic of perennial debate. The latest to voice his disapproval is none other than the reigning Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev. Currently ranked third in the men's category, Makhachev sits just below Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski and Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev's Critique of the Rankings
Not one to mince words, Makhachev has publicly criticized the rankings, particularly taking aim at "Bones" Jones. The Dagestani fighter believes that true champions should be ready to face any opponent, regardless of the circumstances. This was a pointed jab at Jones, who previously declined a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen.
"This is what UFC champions have to do," Makhachev stated during UFC 294's media day on Wednesday. "If you're a real champion, you have to take the fight, no matter how many days' notice, no matter 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 also questioned the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter, casting doubts over the quality of Jones' last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and made a bold declaration about his decision to stop following them.
The Controversy Surrounding Makhachev's Ranking
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" Volkanovski was named as the replacement on short notice.
Oliveira suffered a severe cut above his right eye, described as both "nasty" and "disgusting." He took to social media to share images of the injury and apologize to his fans for his withdrawal from the fight.
Makhachev had previously faced Volkanovski at UFC 284. Despite being ranked No. 2 at the time, Makhachev triumphed over the then No. 1-ranked Volkanovski. Yet, a few months later, he found himself ranked 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 to Makhachev's Remarks
Jones, responding to Makhachev's remarks on Twitter, wished him all the best, while directly mentioning Makhachev’s Twitter username. "As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about life in general. 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 classy responses. This isn't new territory for Jones, as Makhachev has criticized him about the pound-for-pound rankings on multiple occasions. In a prior interview, the Russian national 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.
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, which he secured after beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.