Islam Makhachev claims he will be UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound despite Jon Jones comeback

Islam Makhachev believes he will hold the No. 1 pound-for-pound crown even if the former No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Jon Jones — widely regarded as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) — wins his comeback fight at UFC 285 next month.

Makhachev defended his Lightweight title against Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 284’s epic pay-per-view (PPV) main event (watch highlights) last night (Sat., Feb. 11, 2023) inside RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. With the win, Makhachev will most likely usurp the Australian’s No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking (or not) that he has held for several months.

During UFC 284’s post-fight press conference (watch it), Makhachev was asked about “Bones,” who competes opposite Ciryl Gane for the promotion’s vacant Heavyweight title after a three-year hiatus.

“[I will still be ranked No. 1 P4P] because you know why,” Makhachev said. “Jon Jones is a great fighter, of course. He’s the best, but last time he won a split decision, or he always has hard fights. I don’t know. I don’t think after [his] fight, he will be the best. I’m the best right now because I beat the best fighter in the world. This is why I think I deserve this. If somebody wants to be the best, I’m ready.”

Jones held the No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking for several years until Khabib Nurmagomedov claimed the position after his retirement fight in Oct. 2020. Jones — who lost his mind when Khabib leap-frogged him — retook the No. 1 spot in March 2021; however, he was knocked out of the top spot by Kamaru Usman’s impressive 2021 and Jones’ inactivity.

What do you think, Maniacs?

For complete UFC 284 results and coverage click here.