UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current pound-for-pound ranking system in UFC. Currently holding the No. 3 spot in the men's category, Makhachev finds himself placed below featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Makhachev's Critique of the Ranking System
In a recent media interaction ahead of UFC 294, Makhachev criticized the rankings and took a jab at Jon Jones for declining a late replacement fight against Chael Sonnen. "This is what UFC champions have to do," Makhachev argued. "If you're a real champion, you have to take a fight, regardless of how many days notice you get or who your opponent is."
The Dagestani fighter further questioned the decision to rank Jones as the top fighter despite his track record, casting doubt on the quality of Jones’ last five opponents. He described the rankings as unreliable and declared his decision to stop following them.
Makhachev's Discontentment
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) is set to headline UFC 294 in a championship rematch against Volkanovski. Originally, Makhachev was scheduled to face Charles Oliveira. However, due to an injury - a severe cut above his right eye - Oliveira had to withdraw, leading to Volkanovski stepping in as a short-notice replacement.
Makhachev previously faced Volkanovski at UFC 284. Despite being ranked No. 2 at the time, Makhachev triumphed over the No. 1-ranked Volkanovski. Yet, a few months later, he found himself at No. 3, with Volkanovski and Jones ahead of him, fueling his displeasure with the ranking system.
When questioned about his issue with the rankings, Makhachev explained, "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."
Jones' Response to Makhachev's Criticism
Responding to Makhachev's remarks on Twitter, Jones wished him all the best and added, “As far as the fight, may the best man win. I was just talking about in life. Islam made some negative comments recently. No need for me to respond with negativity. I have bigger fish to fry right now.”
Jones is no stranger to criticism about the UFC's ranking system. In 2021, when he fell to No. 4 due to inactivity, he criticized 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,” he posted 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.”
Upcoming Fights
In his next bout, Jones will defend his heavyweight title 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.
Meanwhile, Makhachev is preparing for his rematch against Volkanovski at UFC 294. It remains to be seen whether his performance in this fight will have any impact on his current ranking and his ongoing critique of the UFC's pound-for-pound system.