Islam Makhachev’s dominant performance at UFC 311 left no room for debate. Dana White, who had previously favored Jon Jones as the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA, officially crowned Makhachev the top fighter in the sport. This marks a dramatic shift in opinion from the UFC boss, who praised Makhachev after his first-round win against Renato Moicano.
“Yeah, I’ll give it to him,” White said at the post-event press conference. “Are you happy? Is everybody happy now?”
Islam is now Dana White’s Pound-For-Pound #1 fighter.#UFC pic.twitter.com/YlvtPxAVjg
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 19, 2025
A Historic Night for Makhachev
Makhachev’s victory wasn’t just another win; it was historic. Coming into the event, the lightweight champion was tied for the most title defenses in UFC lightweight history. With his fourth successful defense, he now stands alone at the top, surpassing legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and BJ Penn.
The main event wasn’t without drama. Makhachev was initially set to face Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch, but a last-minute withdrawal by Tsarukyan due to injury forced Makhachev to face Moicano instead. Despite the change, Makhachev didn’t flinch. He took Moicano to the ground and locked in a D’arce choke to end the fight in the first round.
“Islam was willing to fight anybody,” White said. “He’s stayed active, and he went out tonight and performed the way a guy should on a short-notice fight when you’re the best in the world, and you’re the champion.”
Islam is VERY HAPPY at this update! 🤩
[ @MAKHACHEVMMA | #UFC311 ] https://t.co/EfiCjsrKbg pic.twitter.com/xvp40C6lZX
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
Cementing His Legacy
The victory solidified Makhachev’s legacy as not just the best fighter today but also the best lightweight of all time.
“Hundred percent, there’s no doubt about it,” White added. “He’s the pound-for-pound best in the world, and he’s definitely the best to ever do it in that division.”
With a 15-fight UFC win streak and wins over top-tier opponents like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev has set a standard that few can match. His journey, marked by skill and resilience, now has the ultimate endorsement from the UFC’s president.
