In a recent turn of events, UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has voiced his displeasure regarding his pound-for-pound ranking. Currently positioned at No. 3 in the men's category, the Dagestani fighter trails behind featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev Criticizes Rankings
Known for his outspoken nature, Makhachev did not hold back when discussing the rankings. He took a shot at Jon "Bones" Jones while preparing for his upcoming fight this Saturday. The Lightweight Champion believes that true champions should be prepared to face any opponent, unlike Jones, who previously declined a last-minute 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, or 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 and critiqued the quality of Jones' last five opponents. Describing the rankings as unreliable, he declared his intention to stop following them.
Makhachev's Discontentment
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is set to headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. Originally scheduled to face Charles Oliveira, Makhachev was named as the replacement on short notice after Oliveira suffered a severe cut above his right eye, forcing him to withdraw from the match.
The Dagestani fighter had 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.
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
In response to Makhachev's comments, Jones took to Twitter, wishing Makhachev all the best. He refrained from negativity, stating, "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."
Jones is no stranger to criticism regarding the pound-for-pound rankings. 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, particularly in 2021 when he fell to No. 4 due to inactivity.
The heavyweight champion will defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. This marks his inaugural defense of the heavyweight belt, which he secured after defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.