Dana White put on spot as Islam Makhachev confronts UFC boss about Jon Jones praise
Islam Makhachev pushes bossman, Dana White, to acknowledge his top pound-for-pound status at the press conference.
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Islam Makhachev confronts Dana White's P4P rankings stand (Image via Imago/MMA Fighting/X)
The UFC’s pound-for-pound king has always been a hot topic in the community. Over the years, many prominent individuals have shared their valuable insights on this matter. Most recently, at the UFC 311 event’s first press conference last night, Islam Makhachev confronted Dana White about his stance on the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is scheduled to face top-ranked lightweight fighter Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. During the first presser, Dana White was asked if he would acknowledge Makhachev’s rankings should he win against Tsarukyan. Although White provided a modest response, the lightweight champion pressed him to accept his status in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Dana, you have to be true man… Who is the number one? Tell Dana. Who is the number one?
Islam Makhachev via UFC 311 pre-fight press conference
The UFC CEO shared a laugh about the ongoing conversation regarding the athlete rankings. Despite Makhachev’s persuasion, White did not make any comment on it. Interestingly, the UFC CEO has consistently believed that Jon Jones deserves that top spot.
According to the White, Jones has performed consistently throughout his illustrious career, which is true. ‘Bones’ has achieved 28 victories, with only one blemish on his record, a disqualification. Despite this, Jones has failed to reach the top of the UFC athlete rankings.
A reporter asks Dana White if he believes Islam Makhachev will be PFP #1 if he beats Arman:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 6, 2024
Islam: “Dana, you have to be true man… who is the #1, tell Dana.” ?#UFC #MMA #UFC311
pic.twitter.com/Xgjw2KHtBC
One major reason for this might be his long periods of inactivity between fights. In the last four years, Jones has only fought three times. However, amidst this situation, White has continued to hold the UFC heavyweight champion in high regard. Similarly, another prominent individual believes that Jones deserves the top spot over Makhachev in the athlete rankings.
Henry Cejudo snubs Islam Makhachev and wants Jon Jones to be the top P4P fighter
Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly one of the rising superstars in the UFC, boasting an impressive record. After dethroning Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, Makhachev further elevated his status within the promotion. Most recently, he secured an impressive victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. However, despite these achievements, Makhachev has failed to impress some prominent figures in the community.
In a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Henry Cejudo discussed the UFC athlete rankings. He emphasized that Jon Jones has consistently demonstrated his dominance in the sport. In contrast, he pointed out that Makhachev has faced challenges against some formidable opponents. As a result, Cejudo believes that Jones should be ranked higher.
After that performance that Jon Jones did, the way that he was able to beat Stipe and just pick him apart, it’s hard to not put Jon Jones as number one. Islam (Makhachev) has struggled with people, he’s shown fatigue in the past. Jon Jones has just been annihilating people and dominating people, and I just feel like, as much as I love Islam, I think he’s at number two.
Henry Cejudo via Pound 4 Pound podcast
Henry Cejudo highlighted Jones’ performance at UFC 309 as an example of the heavyweight fighter’s dominance. Jones faced one of the biggest challenges in the UFC heavyweight division when he fought Stipe Miocic. However, the way Jones comfortably defeated Miocic impressed many, including Cejudo. Despite that, Makhachev stands strong as the pound-for-pound top fighter in the promotion.
Related: Why the UFC Flyweight division needs Kai Asakura to beat Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310
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Nilaav Gogoi
(526 Articles Published)