Islam Makhachev provided fight fans with a classic title fight as he successfully defended his belt against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. It took determination, grit, and some incredible skills for the champion to hold his position as the best. It was also enough for Islam Makhachev to retain his spot in the current pound-for-pound rankings against Dana White‘s will.Â
Recently, the new UFC pound-for-pound rankings got updated and Islam Makhachev is the number one fighter among the men UFC fighters. The Dagestani beat the legendary Jon Jones again to get into the position. Makhachev is currently on a 14-fight win streak and has defended his title three times in the last few years. However, all this wasn’t enough for UFC head honcho, Dana White.
After UFC 302, White gave credit to Islam Makhachev for his win, however, he didn’t think the fighter deserved the P4P number one position. According to White, as long as Jon Jones is fighting, nobody can be above the heavyweight champion in the rankings. Jones also thanked White for his appreciation and mentioned that haters aren’t going to accept that.Â
I firmly believe Jon Jones is greatest fighter in UFC history, but Islam Makhachev has fair claim to be No. 1 pound-for-pound right now. Both can be true simultaneously.
Tough to argue with the volume and quality of Makhachev’s recent work during Jones’ absence. #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/WQ6PWL1JhR
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) June 2, 2024
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, Islam Makhachev was pleased with his performance and confronted Dana White for his remarks. The Dagestani said that he saved UFC 302 and made it entertaining for the spectators because the previous fights were boring. Many other UFC superstars also feel the same including Sean O’Malley who refuted Dana White’s recent claims.Â
Sean O’Malley was one of those who bet against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Ahead of the fight, during his podcast, O’Malley picked Dustin Poirier to submit Makhachev in the fight. However, that didn’t stop the bantamweight champion from showing respect where it was due.Â
Sean O’Malley accepts Islam Makhachev as the pound-for-pound number one fighter over Jon Jones (via X/YouTube)During the latest episode of his Timbo Sugar Show, O’Malley talked about Dana White’s disagreement with Makhachev being the pound-for-pound number one. The fighter was confused regarding White’s claims and picked Makhachev over Jon Jones.
Dana White rejects Islam Makhachev as number one pound-for-pound fighter, how, what do you mean? He’s got to be pound-for-pound , who else? He said Jon Jones is number one pound-for-pound right now in 2024? (It’s) Islam
Sean O’Malley via The Timbo and Sugar Show
Sean O’Malley and Jorge Masvidal both predict that Dustin Poirier will finish Islam Makhachev at #UFC302
O’Malley: “Dustin Poirier guillotines Islam, round number two… that’s what I know is gonna happen.”
Masvidal: “I know it’s not gonna be no walk in the park, but man I just… pic.twitter.com/7gV2338kqw
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 28, 2024
Islam Makhachev is currently one of the most popular and active fighters on the UFC roster. After his win at UFC 302, Makhachev wants to become the double champion. On the other hand, Jones is preparing for his legacy fight with Stipe Miocic later this year. It will be interesting to see how the race for the pound-for-pound position turns out in the future.Â
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