UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current pound-for-pound ranking, where he sits at No. 3 in the men's category. The Dagestani fighter finds himself ranked below featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones, a placement that he strongly disputes.
Makhachev's Disapproval of Rankings
Makhachev voiced his criticism during Wednesday's UFC 294 media day, taking a particular swipe at Jon "Bones" Jones. He pointed out that as champions, fighters should be prepared to face any opponent, regardless of the circumstances. This was an apparent reference to Jones' decision to decline 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, 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."
Makhachev also questioned the rationale behind ranking Jones as the top fighter, scrutinizing the quality of Jones’ last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and announced his decision to stop following them.
A Championship Rematch on Short Notice
Despite his discontent with the rankings, Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is set to headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. Originally scheduled to face Charles Oliveira, Makhachev was named as the replacement after Oliveira sustained a severe cut above his right eye, forcing him to withdraw from the fight.
Makhachev had previously faced Volkanovski at UFC 284. Despite being ranked No. 2 at the time, Makhachev managed to triumph over the No. 1-ranked Volkanovski. However, a few months later, he found himself at No. 3, with Volkanovski and Jones ahead of him. This led to Makhachev's outspoken criticism of 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 said, expressing his frustration.
Jones' Response to Criticism
In response to Makhachev’s remarks, Jones took to Twitter, wishing Makhachev the best while maintaining an air of positivity. "I wish you all the best Habibi," Jones tweeted, directly mentioning Makachev’s Twitter username. He added, "No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now."
This isn't the first time Makhachev has criticized Jones about the pound-for-pound rankings. In a previous interview, Makhachev questioned why Jones held the No. 1 ranking when he had only secured one victory in the last three years.
Interestingly, Jones himself has openly criticized the current UFC ranking system before. In 2021, when he fell to No. 4 due to inactivity, he took a jab at 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," Jones tweeted. "It’s funny seeing people have the satisfaction of being ranked over me when I’m not even competing. Just take me off that silly list."
Next up for Jones is a bout 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.