UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current pound-for-pound rankings in the men's category. Currently sitting at No. 3, just below featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Makhachev argues that the system is flawed.
Makhachev's Critique of the Rankings
Makhachev took issue with the rankings during the UFC 294 media day on Wednesday. He particularly targeted Jon Jones, who had previously declined a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen. "This is what UFC champions have to do," Makhachev stated. "If you're a real champion, you have to take a 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."
The Dagestani fighter also questioned the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter, considering the quality of Jones' last five opponents. He declared the rankings unreliable and announced his decision to stop following them.
Upcoming Championship Rematch
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is set to headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. The fight was initially scheduled against Charles Oliveira. However, due to a severe cut above Oliveira's right eye, "The Great" was named as the replacement on short notice.
In their previous encounter at UFC 284, Makhachev, then ranked No. 2, triumphed over the No. 1-ranked Volkanovski. Despite this victory, Makhachev later found himself ranked No. 3, below both Volkanovski and Jones - a decision he clearly disagrees with. "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," Makhachev said.
Jon Jones' Response
Responding to Makhachev's remarks, Jon Jones took to Twitter, wishing the lightweight champion all the best and avoiding any negativity. "I wish you all the best Habibi," Jones wrote, directly mentioning Makhachev's Twitter username. He added, "No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now."
Jones himself has been critical of the UFC ranking system in the past. In 2021, when he fell to No. 4 due to inactivity, he criticized middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya for his higher ranking 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," Jones tweeted.
Upcoming Title Defense
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.
While the debate over the rankings continues, both fighters are focusing on their upcoming matches. As the world of UFC continues to evolve, only time will tell if these rankings will hold or shift dramatically.