Islam Makhachev proved his pound-for-pound status at UFC 311 in a historic fourth title defense. The Russian champ has swiped out former champs and pound-for-pound toppers in his reign. Makhachev is also a spot shy of Anderson Silva’s all-time company record, which stood for nearly 12 years. Given his dominance, Tom Aspinall is basking in CEO Dana White’s pivot to the pound-for-pound debate.
Islam Makhachev defeated short-notice challenger Renato Moicano via submission. Earlier, Dana White used to attack anyone snubbing Jon Jones from the P4P listings. However, even the boss regressed and finally admitted that the Makhachev is the best right now. Interim champ Tom Aspinall has often fallen prey to White and “Bones” in UFC’s P4P debate. Now, he welcomes the change.
Now we’re seeing Dana White coming out and saying that [Islam] is the pound-for-pound No. 1 in the world, Islam Makhachev! …As we all know, to me, pound-for-pound is a lot of made-up stuff. I don’t look into that, but it’s just funny that he’s kind of jumped ship now from Jon Jones to Islam.
Tom Aspinall via Official YT Channel (@tomaspinallofficial) – Tom Aspinall Reacts To UFC 311 😲 Islam Makhachev P4P over Jon Jones
Upon hearing Dana White’s post-fight comments, Makhachev was thrilled to have the support of his boss. His five victories in UFC lightweight title fights are the most in the promotion, ahead of Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, and Benson Henderson.
His 15-fight UFC win streak is the longest active now. He has tied the record of Kamaru Usman and remains one shy of matching Anderson Silva’s record. The circumstances at UFC 311 were tenuous with a late replacement. Yet, he fought and won.
Team Jones declined to defend the 205-pound strap (Chael Sonnen) on 10 days’ notice after Dan Henderson pulled out of UFC 151. At that time, it was Jones’ team who refused to take the fight. In 2025, Makhachev took the fight. It’s a debate Aspinall knows all too well and hence takes the fun out of it.
Tom Aspinall weighs more into Islam Makhachev and P4P debate
Tom Aspinall has been long waiting for title unification with “Bones”. But Dana White and his pound-for-pound debate of Jones going undefeated bolstered his nonchalance. Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is in active negotiations; unless the debate catapults a moody Jones out the window.
Tom Aspinall talks more on UFC 311’s Islam Makhachev (Source: X)At the time of writing, Aspinall is number 8 in the latest UFC pound-for-pound rankings. However, that could change after Tuesday’s update. Aspinall is 3-0 since his TKO injury. A win over Jones would catapult him up the rankings. The Brit is not a big believer in the gimmicky P4P listings. Nevertheless, he recognizes the reckoning that is Islam Makhachev.
Islam did what he was supposed to do…Went out there, fought whoever was put in front of him, which is what a champion is supposed to do. Got the win and he’s levels above anybody else in that division. He’s going to hold the belt for a long, long time, and that is something that I’m very excited for because I’m a massive Islam Makhachev fan!
Tom Aspinall via Official YT Channel (@tomaspinallofficial)
In addition to gold and glory, the entire week was a win for Makhachev with his attitude. It is something the likes of Tom Aspinall can well appreciate. Then, of course, Makhachev entered the octagon and outclassed Moicano. This leads to the question as to who can defeat the P4P #1 fighter in the world.
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