Islam Makhachev wasn’t surprised to find out he’s not the number one-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.
In February of this year, Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title against the featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski. The champion vs. champion matchup was expected to determine the number one-ranked pound-for-pound fighter.
Yet, Makhachev emerged victorious by unanimous decision and remained ranked behind Volkanovski.
A month later, Jon Jones returned from a three-year layoff and submitted Ciryl Gane in the first round for the vacant UFC heavyweight title. As a result, he topped Makhachev and Volkanovski as number one on the P4P list.
On October 21, Islam Makhachev furthered his argument for being deserving of Jones’ spot by securing a first-round knockout in a rematch against Volkanovski. Once the new rankings were released, the Russian lightweight king was listed as the number two P4P UFC fighter.
While at an airport, Makhachev was told about his ranking, and he responded by saying:
“Who makes these rankings, what do they do it for? I have no clue. I beat the pound-for-pound king before – they didn’t put me as #1. So, now I am not surprised they did it this way again. Maybe that’s because [Jon Jones] is fighting soon, so they want to promote his fight. ”
Islam Makhachev referenced Jon Jones’ heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic in December. Unfortunately, Jones pulled out of the UFC 295 main event due to a torn pectoral.
It’ll be intriguing to see if Makhachev jumps ‘Bones’ in the rankings while the latter endures an extended layoff.
Islam Makhachev doesn’t know what else to do for the number one pound-for-pound ranking in the UFC
Islam Makachev was confident he would be the pound-for-pound king following his first win against Alexander Volkanovski. The issue seems to be that Jon Jones’ status as the greatest MMA fighter of all time is difficult for Makahchev to top.
During the previously mentioned video, Makhachev had this to say once he was told about his updated P4P ranking:
“I don’t understand what else I should do to get the #1 spot other than beat the one who was #1.”
Now that Jon Jones is injured, Islam Makhachev will likely fight again before ‘Bones’ returns. Therefore, another lightweight title defense against Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje could be the last accomplishment before the Russian becomes the P4P king.
Watch Islam Makhachev’s reaction to his P4P ranking below:
“I don’t know what else should I do to be #1”
🗣️@MAKHACHEVMMA reacts to P4P rankings update. What do you think he needs to do?
🎥: Ushatayka (YT) #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/qQxpC2Cd3y
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 24, 2023
