Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title defense at UFC 302 was not an easy task at all. The Dagestani went on a five-round war against Dustin Poirier and prevailed in the end. Makhachev fought through adversity to defend his throne for the third time. However, that was not enough for Dana White to put Islam Makhachev ahead of the legendary Jon Jones.
After the win at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev extended his winning streak to 14, a lightweight record. During the post-fight press conference, Dana White credited Makhachev for his win. However, according to the UFC head honcho, Jon Jones still edges Islam Makhachev as the pound-for-pound top fighter.
I think he’s incredible. I don’t think he’s pound-for-pound best fighter in the world….for anybody to call Islam the P4P best fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still f***** fighting, is nuts…Jon Jones has never lost a fight ever. As long as Jon Jones is still fighting, active in the rankings. Nobody is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.
Dana White via UFC 302 post-fight press conference
According to the official UFC rankings, Makhachev is the P4P King, and Jones is currently in the #2 position. Over the last few years, Makhachev has fought four championship fights and has won all of them. He even beat the former P4P ace, Alexander Volkanovski, to pave his way to the top.
Dana White feels anybody who has Islam Makhachev above Jon Jones on the P4P list is “nuts” 👀 #UFC302
“You throw Jon Jones in a room [to fight] with anybody, Jon Jones walks out of the room.” pic.twitter.com/tjXZkel6IM
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 2, 2024
On the other hand, Jon Jones has only fought once in the last four years. However, it is vital to note that his heavyweight debut was nothing short of dominant. This is exactly what White said when he made his assertions. Jones, as expected, agreed to this and has made his opinions public.
Jon Jones questions Islam Makhachev’s pound-for-pound rankings after the victory at UFC 302
Like many fight fans, Jon Jones kept a close eye on the UFC 302 main event bout between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. After the fight, Jones took to X and criticized Makhachev for his rank as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the promotion.
Jon Jones mocks Islam Makhachev after the win at UFC 302 (via Imago/Instagram)During an interaction with an X user, Jones expressed dissatisfaction with Makhachev’s position. In a deleted tweet, Bones mentioned that a last-minute submission by Makhachev was not enough to put the lightweight champ ahead of him.
You go through an absolute dogfight and pull off a last-minute submission. And that’s what makes you the best?
Jon Jones via X
Jones is preparing for his legacy fight against Stipe Miocic, which will most likely occur later this year. The bout was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed due to Jones’ pectoral injury. This has frustrated other heavyweight contenders, like Tom Aspinall, who accused Jones of ducking him. Nonetheless, given the situation, it does not appear to faze Dana White or the UFC, who expects a massive comeback event for Jones.
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