UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has expressed his disapproval of his current pound-for-pound ranking. The Dagestani fighter currently ranks third in the men's category, trailing behind featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev's Criticism of Rankings
Makhachev voiced his disagreement with the rankings as he prepared for his upcoming fight. He took a swipe at Jon Jones, who had previously declined a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen. Makhachev believes that champions should be ready to face any opponent, regardless of the circumstances.
"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, criticizing the quality of Jones' last five opponents. He labeled the rankings as unreliable and declared his decision to stop following them.
Makhachev's Displeasure with His Position
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is set to headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. Originally, Makhachev was scheduled to face Charles Oliveira. However, due to an injury, "The Great" was named as the replacement on short notice.
The injury, a severe cut above Oliveira's right eye, led to his withdrawal from the match. Oliveira shared images of the wound on social media and apologized to his fans for having to pull out of 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 demoted to No. 3, with Volkanovski and Jones ahead of him. This led to Makhachev expressing his dissatisfaction with the ranking system.
"Because last time I beat him already," Makhachev explained when asked about his issue with the rankings. "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."
Jon Jones' Response
Jones responded to Makhachev's remarks on Twitter in a composed manner, wishing him all the best. He made no effort to retaliate with negativity, stating that he had "bigger fish to fry right now."
Jones is no stranger to criticism about the pound-for-pound rankings. In a previous interview, 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. Back in 2021, when his rank fell to No. 4 due to inactivity, he took a jab at middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya, mocking 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 commented 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 upcoming bout, Jones is set to 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.