The question of who is the best fighter in mixed martial arts right now often comes down to two names: Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev. Both have made their mark on the sport, but deciding who is better sparks a lot of discussion.
Jon Jones has had an almost perfect career. Officially, he has one loss, but it came from a disqualification many believe was unfair. The rule that caused his disqualification was removed in 2024, making people question if the fight should count as a loss at all. For many, Jones has never truly been defeated.
Islam Makhachev has also built an incredible career. While he did lose a fight early on, he has gone on a winning streak since then. With 14 victories in a row, he has dominated the lightweight division and proven himself as one of the top fighters in the sport.
Tsarukyan Picks His P4P Best
As Arman Tsarukyan prepares to face Makhachev at UFC 311 for the lightweight title, he shared his views on the ongoing debate about who is better. Tsarukyan respects both fighters but leans toward Jones as the greatest. This perspective is based on Jones’ long history of being at the top without any clear losses.
“In my opinion he’s number two pound-for-pound, because number one is Jon Jones. For me, personally. [Makhachev] is number two. But for sure, in [the] 155 [pound division], yeah he’s the pound-for-pound [best].”
“I [Arman] just care about the title yeah, no money nothing no hype no followers just the just title this is what I want to get.”
The conversation about the best fighter is not just about numbers. It is about their impact, consistency, and the way they handle themselves inside the cage. While Makhachev’s rise has been remarkable, many feel he still has a way to go before he can stand on the same level as Jones.
The fight at UFC 311 will give Makhachev a chance to continue building his legacy. A strong performance could push him closer to being considered the greatest, but for now, the debate continues.
With such different journeys and styles, the question of who is the best fighter might not have a clear answer. What is clear is that both Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev are shaping the history of MMA in their own ways.
