UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current men's pound-for-pound rankings. Despite holding a championship belt, Makhachev finds himself sitting at No. 3, below featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev’s Critique of the Rankings
In a recent media interaction leading up to UFC 294, Makhachev voiced his concerns about the ranking system. He particularly criticized Jones for declining a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen, suggesting that a true champion should be ready to face any challenger, regardless of circumstances.
"This is what UFC champions have to do," Makhachev said at Wednesday’s UFC 294 media day. "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."
Further questioning the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter, Makhachev scrutinized the quality of Jones' last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and announced his decision to stop following them.
Championship Rematch at UFC 294
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) will headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. Originally, Makhachev had been scheduled to face Charles Oliveira. However, due to an injury—a rather nasty cut above his right eye—Oliveira had to withdraw, and “The Great” Volkanovski was named as the short-notice replacement.
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 ranked lower than both Volkanovski and Jones, which fueled 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 stated, expressing his confusion and dissatisfaction.
Jones Responds to Makhachev’s Remarks
In response to Makhachev's criticisms, Jones took to Twitter, wishing Makhachev well without resorting to negativity. "I wish you all the best Habibi," Jones wrote, addressing Makhachev directly.
"As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about 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."
Jones is no stranger to criticism of the UFC ranking system. 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. Jones has often expressed his disregard for the rankings, once even suggesting that he should be removed from the list while not actively competing.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones is preparing for his next bout where he 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 defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.