In the world of mixed martial arts, rankings are often a contentious topic. The latest to voice his disapproval is none other than UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. Currently sitting at No. 3 in the men's pound-for-pound ranking, Makhachev has taken issue with those above him - featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev's Criticism of Rankings
Makhachev expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the rankings during Wednesday’s UFC 294 media day. He took particular aim at Jon Jones, who declined a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen. In Makhachev's view, a true champion should be prepared to face any opponent, regardless of the circumstances.
“This is what UFC champions have to do,” Makhachev stated. “If you’re a real champion, you have to take the fight, no matter how many days' notice or 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.”
Beyond this, Makhachev also questioned the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter given the quality of Jones’ last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and declared that he would stop following them.
Makhachev's Discontentment with His Own Ranking
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) will headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. This fight was originally scheduled against Charles Oliveira. However, due to a severe cut above Oliveira's right eye, Volkanovski was named as the replacement on short notice.
Makhachev had previously faced Volkanovski at UFC 284. Despite being ranked No. 2 at the time, Makhachev triumphed 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 decision has been a major point of contention for Makhachev.
“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 Makhachev's Remarks
In response to Makhachev's comments, Jones took to Twitter with a composed reply, saying, “I wish you all the best Habibi,” while directly mentioning Makachev’s Twitter username.
“As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about in life. Islam made some negative comments recently,” Jones added. “No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now.”
Jones is no stranger to this kind of critique. He 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.
He also wasted no time criticizing 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,” he said on Twitter. “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.”
In his next bout, Jones will defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. This fight marks his inaugural defense of the heavyweight belt, secured after beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.