In the world of UFC, the pound-for-pound rankings are a source of pride and contention. The current UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, is no stranger to this ongoing debate. Currently positioned at No. 3 in the men's category, just below featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Makhachev has voiced his disapproval.
Makhachev Calls Out Jones
During the media day for UFC 294 on Wednesday, Makhachev took aim at Jones, who had previously declined a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen. He argued that a true champion should be ready to face any opponent, regardless of the circumstances.
"This is what UFC champions have to do," Makhachev stated. "If you're a real champion, you have to take the 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."
The Dagestani fighter also questioned the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter and critiqued the quality of Jones' last five opponents. Disillusioned with the system, he declared his decision to stop following the rankings.
Makhachev's Upcoming Fight and Ranking Frustration
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) will headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. This match was originally scheduled against Charles Oliveira, but due to a severe cut above his right eye, Oliveira had to withdraw. "The Great" Volkanovski was named as the replacement on short notice.
Last February at UFC 284, Makhachev, then ranked No. 2, 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. This led to Makhachev expressing his dissatisfaction.
"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 when asked about his issue with the rankings.
Jones' Response
Responding to Makhachev's remarks, Jones took to Twitter, wishing Makhachev all the best. "As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about life. Islam made some negative comments recently. No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now," Jones tweeted.
Jones has been a frequent critic of the current UFC ranking system. In 2021, when he fell to No. 4 due to inactivity, he criticized middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya for being ranked above him 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, 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,” Jones had said on Twitter.
In his next bout, Jones will defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. This will mark his inaugural defense of the heavyweight belt, which he secured after defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.