UFC Champion Makhachev Criticizes Pound-For-Pound Rankings
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has made his dissatisfaction with the UFC's pound-for-pound ranking system known. Currently, he holds the No. 3 position in the men's category, sitting below featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev's Critique of the Rankings
Makhachev has publicly criticized the rankings, taking a particular swipe at Jon "Bones" Jones as he prepares for his upcoming fight. The Dagestani fighter believes that true champions should be ready to face any opponent, regardless of the circumstances. This is a thinly veiled reference to Jones' past decision to decline a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen.
"This is what UFC champions have to do," Makhachev asserted 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, no matter who it's going to be. Not like your pound-for-pound champion when they offered him Chael Sonnen. If you're a real champion, you have to fight."
In addition to criticizing Jones' choices, Makhachev also questioned the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter and the quality of his last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and declared his decision to stop paying attention to them.
Makhachev's Dissatisfaction with His Own 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, Volkanovski was named as the replacement on short notice.
The injury, a severe cut above Oliveira's right eye, forced him to withdraw from the fight. Oliveira took to social media to share images of the injury and apologize to his fans.
Makhachev 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, which has since sparked his 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 explained when asked about his issue with the rankings.
Jones' Response to Makhachev's Criticism
Jon Jones responded to Makhachev's comments on Twitter, wishing him all the best. "As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about in life. 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 response. This isn't new territory for Jones, 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. Jones criticized Adesanya 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 will be his first defense of the heavyweight belt, which he secured after defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.